Broadside poem entitled 'Tam O' Shanter and Souter Johnny', with Latin version

This piece begins: 'TWO laughing Statues are from Scotland brought, / The work of Nature's Child, by art untaught.' The Latin poem, by William Archer Way (d.1928), begins: 'MUSA tuam an sieat, Sculptor celeberrime, famam, / Wui Graeque licet, Romanaeque indigus artis'. Early ballads were dramatic or humorous narrative songs derived from folk culture that predated printing. Originally perpetuated by word of mouth, many ballads survive because they were recorded on broadsides. Musical notation was rarely printed, as tunes were usually established favourites. The term 'ballad' eventually applied more broadly to any kind of topical or popular verse. The author of 'Musa tuam an sieat.. .' was the first vice-principal of Dale College in South Africa. Tam O' Shanter and Souter Johnny are characters from Robert Burns' (1756-96) epic poem 'Tam O' Shanter'. In the eighteenth century, many poets - good and bad - penned works which eulogised their hero, Burns. This is one of the better examples.

Collection

Popular Print in Scotland, 1650-1850

Inventory Number

4502031

Title

Broadside poem entitled 'Tam O' Shanter and Souter Johnny', with Latin version

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

- 160 x 248mm