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Clark McGinn

Ultimate Burns Supper Book: A Practical (but Irreverent) Guide to Scotland's Greatest Celebration

Ultimate Burns Supper Book: A Practical (but Irreverent) Guide to Scotland's Greatest Celebration

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The Ultimate Burns Supper Book by Clark McGinn is a comprehensive guide to enjoying or arranging a Burns Supper, featuring advice, anecdotes, poetry, and wit. Robert Burns is one of Scotland's greatest gifts to civilization, and his poetry is celebrated worldwide. The book provides information on what to expect on the night, what to wear, how to prepare and present speeches, and a list of common Burns Supper questions and answers. It also includes a selection of Burns's greatest poems, including a full English verse translation of the Address to a Haggis, and answers concerns about eating haggis and extols the pleasures of drinking whisky.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2020
Publisher: Luath Press Ltd


The Ultimate Burns Supper Book, written by Clark McGinn, is a comprehensive guide to hosting or attending a Burns Supper. It provides advice, anecdotes, poetry, and wit, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in celebrating Robert Burns' poetry and culture. The book covers everything from what to expect on the night to how to prepare and present speeches, and includes a list of common questions and their answers. It also features a selection of Burns's greatest poems, including a full English verse translation of the Address to a Haggis. Whether you're a host or a guest, The Ultimate Burns Supper Book will help you have a great time at every Burns Supper.

The book begins with a complete run-through of what to expect on the night, including a list of courses and speeches. It then provides advice on what to wear, how to prepare and present speeches, and how to handle common Burns Supper questions. The book also includes a selection of Burns's greatest poems, including a full English verse translation of the Address to a Haggis.

One of the key features of The Ultimate Burns Supper Book is its advice on what to wear. Burns Supper attire can vary depending on the location and the occasion, but there are some general guidelines that can help you look your best. For men, a kilt is a traditional choice, while women can wear a dress or a skirt. Both men and women should wear a tie, and men should also wear a sporan (a small pouch that holds a knife and a bottle of whisky).

In addition to advice on what to wear, The Ultimate Burns Supper Book also provides guidance on how to prepare and present speeches. Speeches can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation, they can be a great way to entertain your guests. The book includes tips on how to structure your speech, how to use humor, and how to make your speech memorable.

One of the most important aspects of a Burns Supper is the Address to a Haggis. This poem is a traditional Scottish toast that is recited at the beginning of the Supper. The book includes a full English verse translation of the Address to a Haggis, which can help you understand the meaning of the poem and make it more enjoyable to listen to.

The book also includes a selection of Burns's greatest poems, including "To a Mouse," "To a Louse," and "To a Haggis." These poems are known for their wit, humor, and insight into Scottish culture. Burns's poetry is often read aloud at Burns Supper events, and it can be a great way to connect with your guests.

In addition to advice on what to wear and how to prepare and present speeches, The Ultimate Burns Supper Book also includes a list of common Burns Supper questions and their answers. This can be a helpful resource for anyone who is new to Burns Supper events or who is looking for more information about the tradition.

One of the most common questions that people have about Burns Supper events is whether or not they should eat haggis. Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that is made from sheep's pluck, oatmeal, and spices. While some people may be hesitant to try haggis, it is actually a delicious and nutritious dish. The book includes a section on how to prepare and present haggis, and it also provides answers to common questions about eating haggis, such as how to cook it and how to avoid getting sick.

Another common question that people have about Burns Supper events is whether or not they should drink whisky. Whisky is a traditional Scottish drink that is made from barley, water, and yeast. While some people may be hesitant to drink whisky, it is actually a delicious and complex drink. The book includes a section on how to prepare and present whisky, and it also provides answers to common questions about drinking whisky, such as how to choose a good whisky and how to drink it responsibly.

In addition to advice on what to wear, how to prepare and present speeches, and how to handle common Burns Supper questions, The Ultimate Burns Supper Book also includes a selection of Burns's greatest poems. These poems are known for their wit, humor, and insight into Scottish culture. Burns's poetry is often read aloud at Burns Supper events, and it can be a great way to connect with your guests.

One of the most famous Burns poems is "Auld Acquaintance." This poem is about a man who is reminiscing about his old friend. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, and it is easy to understand. The book includes a full English verse translation of "Auld Acquaintance," which can help you understand the meaning of the poem and make it more enjoyable to listen to.

Another famous Burns poem is "To a Louse." This poem is about a louse that is living on a man's head. The poem is written in a humorous and satirical style, and it is a great way to make your guests laugh. The book includes a full English verse translation of "To a Louse," which can help you understand the meaning of the poem and make it more enjoyable to listen to.

In addition to advice on what to wear, how to prepare and present speeches, and how to handle common Burns Supper questions, The Ultimate Burns Supper Book also includes a selection of Burns's greatest poems. These poems are known for their wit, humor, and insight into Scottish culture. Burns's poetry is often read aloud at Burns Supper events, and it can be a great way to connect with your guests.

One of the most important aspects of a Burns Supper is the Selkirk Grace. This grace is a traditional Scottish grace that is recited before the meal. The book includes a full English verse translation of the Selkirk Grace, which can help you understand the meaning of the grace and make it more enjoyable to listen to.

In addition to advice on what to wear, how to prepare and present speeches, and how to handle common Burns Supper questions, The Ultimate Burns Supper Book also includes a selection of Burns's greatest poems. These poems are known for their wit, humor, and insight into Scottish culture. Burns's poetry is often read aloud at Burns Supper events, and it can be a great way to connect with your guests.

In conclusion, The Ultimate Burns Supper Book is a comprehensive guide to hosting or attending a Burns Supper. It provides advice, anecdotes, poetry, and wit, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in celebrating Robert Burns' poetry and culture. Whether you're a host or a guest, The Ultimate Burns Supper Book will help you have a great time at every Burns Supper.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910745229
Edition number: 2 New edition

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