Abstract
This year sees the 150th anniversary of the birth of J. J. Haldane Burgess the blind
poet, author and linguist. Burgess was born at No.1 Burns Lane, Lerwick, on 28th
May, 1862. He was an exceptional scholar. When the antiquary, Samuel Hibbert,
was touring Shetland in 1822, he noted that, ‘Shetland was from time immemorial
celebrated for its native poets’.1
Burgess, keen to identify with the ancient skalds,
drew on this rich inheritance to become the most outstanding poet of his day. This
paper celebrates Burgess’ prolific achievement, and in particular, his influential
contribution to the development of modern Shetland literature.
poet, author and linguist. Burgess was born at No.1 Burns Lane, Lerwick, on 28th
May, 1862. He was an exceptional scholar. When the antiquary, Samuel Hibbert,
was touring Shetland in 1822, he noted that, ‘Shetland was from time immemorial
celebrated for its native poets’.1
Burgess, keen to identify with the ancient skalds,
drew on this rich inheritance to become the most outstanding poet of his day. This
paper celebrates Burgess’ prolific achievement, and in particular, his influential
contribution to the development of modern Shetland literature.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 12-16 |
| Journal | The New Shetlander |
| Volume | 260 |
| Issue number | Simmer issue |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- J. J. Haldane Burgess
- Dr. Jacobsen
- language studies
- Shetland
- history