Frances and Gordon Jarvie are both former teachers. The are the editors of the Scotties Books and, between them, authors of seven titles in the series.

' ... a historical and geographical context for Burns' life and work. This is an extremely well-designed and illustrated short information book, with maps, family trees, timelines, photographs and pictures ... this is a high-quality publication which would be valuable for any project work connected with Scotland's national poet and the festivities still connected with his name.' School Librarian ' ... it is engaging and full of appropriate supporting illustrations, timelines, prints and a wealth of museum material to help support the text. ... these all serve to provide the reader with a clearer appreciation of Scotland's national poet whose life and works are celebrated around the world today.' History Teaching Review ' ... firmly aimed at children but is a book we can all read and learn something new about Burns, or have our conceptions of his time challenged. ... well-presented, with crisp, well-chosen illustrations, and places Burns both in his own time, and our own, with useful hints on holding a Burns Supper, as well as sections on farming in Burns' time, sea-bathing in the Solway, and much more - there is even a Burns wordsearch!' Ayrshire Notes

• Map of Ayr and surrounding areaBurns' family treeMaybole and AllowayMount Oliphant: a moorland farmSome hae meat: food in the 1700sLochlea and linenRab MossgielJamaica boundBurns in EdinburghTour of the BordersHighland journeyFashion in Burns' dayEllislandExciseman in Dumfriesfunny you should askSea-bathing in the Solway Firthrobert Burns the patriotFavourite quotationsThe world's legacyTam o' Shanter: A TaleAnswers/Useful websitesFacts and activities section