In 1784 Burns read the works of the Edinburgh poet Robert Fergusson and that of Scottish folk tradition and older Scottish Poetry. He became aware of the literary possibilities of the Scottish regional dialects.

Burns’ later literary output consisted almost entirely of songs, both original compositions and adaptations of traditional Scottish ballads and folk songs. Beginning in 1792 Burns wrote about 100 songs and some humorous verse. Among his songs in this collection are such favorites as Auld Lang Syne, Comin’ Thro’ the Rye, Scots Wha Hae, A Red, Red, Rose, The Banks o’Doon, and John Anderson, My Jo.

MAJOR WORKS:
• To a Mountain Daisy
• To a Mouse
• Scots Wha Hae
• A Red, Red Rose
• Address to the Deil
• Tam O’Shanter