Originally published in 2000 by Polygon to mark the 250th anniversary of Fergusson's birth, this new edition contains all Fergusson's finest poems in both Scots and English, and features a new introductory essay, revised orthography, a substantial section of notes and a glossary. Acknowledged as a crucial influence on Burns, Robert Fergusson was a remarkable poet in his own right. All his work was produced during a few brief years, delighting readers with its vigour and power. Although he wrote much verse in the then fashionable style of Augustan English, it is his Scots verse which, in its great warmth, humanity, satire, and hilarious comedy, is his enduring legacy. His work covers the whole gamut of human emotions and experience and his subject matter ranges from drunken encounters with the notorious City Guard to quieter reflections on pastoral themes. Fergusson died in 1774 at the age of only 24.

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• A Note on the Text
• Notes on the Illustrations
• Elegy, on the Death of Mr David Gregory, Late Professor of Mathematics in the University of St Andrews
• The Daft-Days
• Elegy, on the Death of Scots Music
• The King’s Birth-Day in Edinburgh
• Caller Oysters
• To Mr Robert Fergusson
• Answer to Mr J.S.’s Epistle
• Braid Claith
• An Eclogue, to the Memory of Dr William Wilkie, Late Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of St Andrews
• An Eclogue
• Hallow-Fair
• The Lee-Rigg
• To the Tron-Kirk Bell
• Caller Water
• Auld Reikie
• Mutual Complaint of Plainstanes and Causey, in their Mother-tongue
• The Rising of the Session
• Ode to the Bee
• The Farmer’s Ingle
• The Ghaists: A Kirk-yard Eclogue
• To R. Fergusson
• To Andrew Gray
• On Seeing a Butterfly in the Street
• Hame Content: A Satire
• Leith Races
• Ode to the Gowdspink
• To the Principal and Professors of the University of St Andrews, on their Superb Treat to Dr Samuel Johnson
• The Election
• Elegy on John Hogg, Late Porter to the University of St Andrews
• Dumfries
• The Sitting of the Session
• A Drink Eclogue: Landlady, Brandy and Whisky
• To My Auld Breeks
• Rob. Fergusson’s Last Will
• Horace, Ode XI. Lib I
• The Author’s Life
• On Night
• Job, Chapter III, Paraphrased
• Glossary