Full Description
Though Robert Fergusson published only one collection of poems during his lifetime, he was a fixture in the Scottish periodical press. Rhona Brown explores Fergusson's poetic output in its immediate periodical context, enabling a new understanding of Fergusson's contribution to poetry that also enlarges on our understanding of the Scottish periodical press. Focusing on the development of his career in Walter Ruddiman's Weekly Magazine, Brown situates Fergusson's poetry alongside contemporary events that expose Fergusson's preoccupations with the frivolities of fashion, theatrical culture, the economic status of Scottish manufacture, and politics. At the same time, Brown offers fascinating insights into the political climate of Enlightenment Scotland and shows the Weekly Magazine in relationship to the larger Scottish and British periodical milieus. She concludes by exploring reactions to Fergusson's death in the British periodical presses, arguing that contrary to critical consensus, the poet's death was ignored neither by his own country nor by the larger literary community.
Contents
Contents: Introduction; 1771: 'His first appearance as an author': pastoral, politics and apprenticeship; 1772: 'A new note': Scots vernacular, reputation and recognition; 1773 - January to July: Assurance, 'fecundity and brilliance': Fergusson, unofficial Poet Laureate'; 1773: 'Every day and special days ongoings' in 'Auld Reikie'; 1773 - August to December: 'Into the very blaze of day': Fergusson's literary zenith; 1774: 'Transfigured for all time': literary responses to Fergusson's death; Bibliography; Index.
