William Scott Douglas's six-volume, 19th-century edition aimed to provide a complete and scholarly collection of Burns's work. As well as the poetry and prose, 68 previously unpublished letters or parts of letters are included.

His work was greatly admired by his contemporaries, Lamb remembering that in his own youth ' Burns was the god of my idolatory' . His best known lyrics, such as 'Auld Lang Syne ' are familiar throughout the English speaking world, and his popularity with his fellow country men is reflected in celebrations held all over the world on 'Burns Night', 25th January, his birthday.