A rare first edition of Robert Burns’ poetry is expected to be auctioned later this month, with bids potentially reaching £60,000. The book, known as the “Kilmarnock Edition,” was published 237 years ago, in 1786, when Burns was just 27 years old. It features many of the poet‘s best-known works, most of which were written while he lived and worked on Mossgiel farm in Mauchline, Ayrshire.
Among the iconic poems included in this edition are To a Mouse, Address to the Deil, The Twa Dogs, and Halloween. Burns wrote these while managing the farm with his brother Gilbert. It was also during this time that he met a group of six women who inspired his poem The Belles of Mauchline. One of the women, Jean Armour, later became his wife.
Burns and Armour had nine children together, with the last born on the day of his funeral in July 1796. The poet described Armour as the “jewel of them a’,” though their marriage faced significant challenges, including opposition from her father.
At the time, Burns had planned to emigrate to Jamaica to escape financial difficulties and opposition to his marriage. However, a local lawyer, Gavin Hamilton, suggested he fund his voyage by publishing a book of poems. The success of the Kilmarnock Edition changed Burns’ life, allowing him to stay in Scotland and pursue his literary career.
Only 88 copies of the first edition are believed to exist today, with just 15 in private collections. The copy set for auction has been preserved, having been rebound in the 19th century by renowned bookbinder Bedford. The auction is scheduled for September 19.