Robert Burns - First Commonplace Book

Description

One volume. Robert Burns's three Commonplace books, 1783 to 1785, a second 1787 to 1790 and a third 1789 to 1794, are personal compilations of early drafts of songs, prose and some poetry as well as observations on people, places and ideas. Copies of poetry, excerpts from books, quotations, moral, religious and philosophical, contemplative, etc. are included. Such books are unique to the author's particular interests and often include passages found in other texts accompanied by the compiler's comments.

The term "Commonplace" derives from the Latin expression locus communis which translates as "a general or common topic". Generally, the individual concerned collects material which have a common theme. Although they are private collections of information, they are not diaries. Keeping such a book was usually the pastime of the aristocracy with their ample leisure time, education and refinement.