Captain Francis Grose

A lithographic print of an artist's impression of the eighteenth century antiquary and friend of Robert Burns.   Burns wrote the poem, "Tam O'Shanter" as a "witch story" to accompany an illustration of Alloway Kirk which was published by his friend, Captain Francis Grose in his "Antiquities of Scotland". Robert Burns and Francis Grose met and became friends whilst Grose was researching this book.   This impression of Francis Grose is based on contemporary descriptions of him.  It was used to illustrate Burns' poem "On The Late Captain Grose" - "If in your bounds ye chance to light, Upon a fine fat, fodgel wight, O' stature short, but genius bright, That's he, mark weel", in "The National  Burns".   "The National Burns", edited by Rev. George Gilfillan was published by William Mackenzie of Glasgow and contained "The airs of all the songs and an original life of Burns by the editor". It was also illustrated throughout, both by engraved plates and within the text. It was published in 15 parts, costing two shillings each making it an affordable way for people to purchase the complete works of Robert Burns.