"This is a unique set of the 6 volumes. Not only does each volume have a 1st edition (in one case a possible 1st edition), which is rare in itself, but in addition volumes 1, 2, 3 and 5 also contain variant editions. The set contains 1st and early printings of many famous Scottish songs - assembled by Burns - e.g. Auld lang syne development ... The first variant of Volume I is the same as the British Library's copy, and is probably the 1st printing"--front flyleaf of v. 1. "I've been courting, p. 316; Flow gentle, p. 400; I feed a lad at Martinmas, p. 407"--front flyleaf of v. 4. "Comin' thro the rye page 431; Old King Cole 486; O dear what can the matter be 510; Auld lang syne, different melody 426; Molly put the kettle on melody 512; Kind Robin looes me"--front flyleaf of v. 5.
600 songs for voice and continuo (some with figured bass).
Robert Burns contributed largely to the work; Stephen Clarke prepared the arrangements of most of the airs, see DNB, v. 10, p. 904.
Title vignettes. Paged continuously. Engraved throughout.
Each v. includes index.
On the completion of the sixth and last volume, in 1803, Johnson substituted a new set of title-pages, dedicating the work "T̀o the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.'" (Laing's pref. to 1839 ed., v. 1, p.ii, foot-note).
Vols. 1 and 2 of library set each consists of 4 variant printings bound together; vol. 3 consists of 2 variant printings bound together; vol. 5 bound with Johnston's Scots musical museum. Additional notes and illustrations / preface by David Laing (Edinburgh and London : William Blackwood and sons, 1853).
James Fuld.
Johnson, James, printer.
Burns, Robert, 1759-1796.
Clarke, Stephen, ca. 1735-1797, arranger.
Fuld, James J., 1916-2008, former owner.