The Prose of Allan Ramsay

This volume provides the first full and consistent edition of Allan Ramsay's prose, including all extant writings, letters, prefaces, dedications, and advertisements. It showcases Ramsay's commitment to preserving Scottish literary culture and offers insights into his personality, priorities, and beliefs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comprehensive volume aims to revolutionize our understanding of Allan Ramsay, a pivotal yet largely under-researched literary figure. It presents the first complete and consistent edition of Ramsay's prose, encompassing all extant writings from both manuscript and print sources. In addition to his known letters, the volume includes prefaces, dedications, and advertisements for Ramsay's major collections. It also features Ramsay's anonymously published Some Few Hints in Defence of Dramatical Entertainments, the full text of his influential collection of Scots Proverbs, and significant prose from manuscript sources, including his account of Edinburgh's Porteous Riots in April 1736 and notes on contemporary plays. Through these works, we gain a privileged insight into Ramsay's personality, priorities, ambitions, and core beliefs, showcasing his unwavering commitment to preserving Scottish literary culture.

Introduction:
Allan Ramsay, a prominent Scottish writer of the 18th century, has long been recognized for his significant contributions to literature. However, despite his importance, his prose writings have remained largely under-researched. This volume seeks to rectify that by presenting the first comprehensive and consistent edition of Ramsay's prose.

Comprehensive Coverage:
The volume encompasses all extant prose writings by Ramsay, including both manuscript and print sources. It includes his major works such as "The History of David Riccio," "The History of the Life of Mr. John Small," "The History of the Adventures of David Brainard," and "The History of the Young Pretender." Additionally, it contains Ramsay's lesser-known but equally valuable writings, such as his essays, letters, and unpublished manuscripts.

Extensive Prefaces and Dedications:
In addition to the prose writings, the volume also includes prefaces, dedications, and advertisements for Ramsay's major collections. These provide valuable insights into Ramsay's literary intentions, his relationships with his readers, and the social and cultural context in which he worked.

Anonymous Publication:
One of the notable features of this volume is Ramsay's anonymously published Some Few Hints in Defence of Dramatical Entertainments. This work, which was published in 1736, is a defense of theatrical performances and argues against the criticisms leveled against them by some contemporaries. It sheds light on Ramsay's views on the role of drama in society and his commitment to promoting artistic excellence.

Scots Proverbs and Prose from Manuscript Sources:
The volume also contains Ramsay's influential collection of Scots Proverbs and significant prose from manuscript sources. These include his account of Edinburgh's Porteous Riots in April 1736 and notes on contemporary plays. These works provide a deeper understanding of Ramsay's personality, his observations of society, and his literary interests.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume offers a groundbreaking exploration of Allan Ramsay's prose writings. By presenting the first complete and consistent edition of Ramsay's works, it seeks to transform our understanding of this pivotal but under-researched literary figure. Through its comprehensive coverage, extensive prefaces, dedications, and advertisements, and Ramsay's anonymously published Some Few Hints in Defence of Dramatical Entertainments, the volume provides a privileged insight into Ramsay's personality, priorities, ambitions, and core beliefs. It is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts of Scottish literature and culture.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 166 x 241 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399506977