3 Review(s)

The biography begins with Ramsay's early life in the village of Eve, where he was born into a family of modest means. Smeaton chronicles Ramsay's education, his early poetic endeavors, and his eventual rise to prominence in Edinburgh’s literary circles. Ramsay is noted for his skillful use of the Scots language and for his commitment to capturing the spirit of Scottish culture in his works, such as The Gentle Shepherd, which is celebrated for its pastoral themes and its vivid portrayal of rural life.Smeaton also delves into Ramsay's relationships with other literary figures of his time, his role in the establishment of the Edinburgh literary scene, and his contributions to the growth of Scottish literature. Throughout the biography, Smeaton emphasizes Ramsay's legacy as a precursor to later Scottish writers, including Robert Burns, and as a pivotal figure in promoting the use of Scots as a literary language. Allan Ramsay by Smeaton serves not only as a biography but also as a valuable exploration of the cultural and literary heritage of Scotland, reaffirming Ramsay's importance in the landscape of Scottish literature.