9781841585833. New condition. Trade paperback. Language: English. Pages: 144. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 144 p. Contains: Illustrations, black & white, Maps. In 1801, some five years after Robert Burns' death, nine of his friends sat down to dinner in what is now known as Burns Cottage in Alloway to celebrate his extraordinary life and to give thanks for his friendship. Over the years the informal theme from that evening has developed into the ritual known as Burns Night. This best-selling book is the essential guide for anyone intending to hold or attend a Burns Night of any size. In addition to setting out the order of events for the evening, the Burns Supper Companion also offers fascinating insights into the traditions surrounding Burns Night. Nancy Marshall has spent a large part of her life living and working in Edinburgh. She read English Literature and Medieval History at Edinburgh University, going on to write widely about Scottish song and the poems and songs of Robert Burns.
In 1801, some five years after Robert Burns' death, nine of his friends sat down to dinner in what is now known as Burns Cottage in Alloway. By then an inn, it was in the 'auld clay biggin' where Robert Burns had been born that the first Burns Supper took place. They gathered to celebrate his extraordinary life and to gave thanks for his friendship. It was a simple evening, where they reminisced about his work, sang a few songs, roared with laughter remembering the fiery barbs from his skelpin' tongue, made speeches and drank toasts to his memory. Little did they know that this fellowship and remembrance would resonate down through the centuries and span all across the world. Over the years, the informal theme from that evening has developed into the mystical ritual known as Burns Night. The traditional format of the evening is laid out in Burns Supper Companion according to the Burns Federation and some of the oldest Burns clubs in existence. This fascinating insight into the traditions surrounding Burns Night includes a biography of Robert Burns, poems, songs and quotations, simple speeches and even a recipe for haggis. It is the essential guide for anyone intending to hold or attend a Burns Night of any size or ilk, or for those who simply have a keen interest in Burns and the great traditions that have been laid into place in his honor.
