Selected Poetry and Prose Author:Robert Burns Edited by Robert D. Thornton; "this selected edition of the works of Robert Burns acknowledges several convictions: that the Kilmarnock Edition, not only of the glories and wonders of British literature and that the falling-away from such high achievement was more contrary, more pronounced, and more relentless that most authorities allow; that... more », generally for the poet's lifetime, the earliest published version is truer to the genius than any later one; that severance of verses from music, particularly from the melody to which the song was composed, is inexcusably delusive for true appreciation; and that 20th century false delicacy should not be an editorial principal of inclusion."« less