The Bibliography of Robert Burns, Compiled by James M'Kie — 1st Edition, Limited

The Bibliography of Robert Burns, Compiled by James M'Kie — 1st Edition, Limited

£34.50
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The Bibliography of Robert Burns, Compiled by James M'Kie — 1st Edition, Limited

The Bibliography of Robert Burns, Compiled by James M'Kie — 1st Edition, Limited

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£34.50

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Publication: Kilmarnock, Printed by James M'Kie, 1881

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xi, 338, [2].

Condition Report: Good. Bound in the publisher's original two-tone blue paper-covered boards with a tan paper backing, this copy remains structurally sound though it displays the anticipated wear inherent to its fragile binding style. The boards are rubbed and edge-worn, with distinct bumping and scuffing to the corners that exposes the underlying board. The delicate paper spine is creased and darkened, showing notable chipping at the head and tail, while the printed title lettering remains fully legible despite light rubbing. The hinges remain secure. Inside, the original uncut and untrimmed deckle page edges are heavily toned, dusty, and foxed. The text block is mostly clean, with scattered spotting primarily confined to the preliminaries, while the attractive red-and-black printed title page is bright and well-preserved.

Catalogue Note: This limited edition of 600 copies stands as a cornerstone reference for any serious collection of Scotland's national bard or Scottish regional history. This specific copy is numbered 489 and bears the authentic ink signature of the compiler and printer on the limitation page.

M'Kie was a devoted Burns enthusiast whose press was renowned for producing exhaustive facsimiles and bibliographies of the poet. The survival of this copy in its original, famously fragile two-tone binding makes it a desirable artefact on the open market, particularly as many comparable copies have either been rebound or have suffered severe loss to the paper spine.

A fascinating and exhaustive piece of literary history, this 1881 bibliography catalogues the myriad editions, manuscripts, and monuments dedicated to Robert Burns up to the late nineteenth century. Beyond a simple list of books, the work includes rich biographical notes, a dedication to the world-wide admirers of the poet, and historical sketches of Burns Clubs globally, serving as a testament to the enduring cultural phenomenon of Scotland's favourite son.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: James M'Kie

Book Publisher: James M'Kie

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Autobiography, Biography & Memoirs

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages: 338

Book Publication Year: 1881

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Kilmarnock, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.
Condition Description
New A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.

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