Burns and Black Lives

About the Book: 

‘Racist’, ‘Slave Trader’ and ‘Rapist’ were just some of the phrases that were directed towards Scotland’s national poet during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Whilst Robert Burns has been revered for his evocative poetry and passionate advocacy for social justice, did his actions match his words?

Through meticulous research and a compelling narrative, Clark McGinn examines Burns’ connections to the transatlantic slave trade, highlighting the paradoxes and moral conflicts during the poet’s time. The book does not shy away from uncomfortable truths, presenting a nuanced portrait that challenges readers to reconcile Burns’ literary genius with the ethical ambiguities of his time.

Burns and Black Lives is an essential read for those interested in the intersections of literature, history and social justice, offering a profound re-examination of one of Scotland’s most iconic figures.

Reviews: 

Clark McGinn, a true Scot, examines our heritage and our culture, and discusses how our proud history and traditions defi ne the enigmatic, idiosyncratic race that we are today. SHARI LOW, Daily Record on The Ultimate Burns Supper Book

This is the best, the clearest, the sharpest, the only guide you will ever need. PROFESSOR MURRAY PITTOCK on The Ultimate Burns Supper Book

About the Author:

CLARK McGINN was born and brought up in Ayr, being educated at Ayr Academy where he spoke at his first Burns Supper. He has performed at over 200 Immortal Memory speeches in 32 cities in 17 countries, travelling nearly a dozen times round the globe in the process. He was President of the Burns Club of London during the Burns 250th Celebrations in 2009, when he gave the Eulogy at the National Service of Thanksgiving for Burns at Westminster Abbey. In 2014, he was awarded a PhD by the University of Glasgow for his research into the history of the Burns Supper and has had several peer-reviewed articles published on various aspects of Burns. 

He has published several books on the Burns Supper, including The Ultimate Burns Supper Book, The Burns Supper: A Comprehensive History and The Burns Supper: A Concise History. Clark lives with his wife, Ann, in Harrow-on-the-Hill and Fowey. Their three daughters live outside London and New York.