In order that we may not be charged with negligence, we subjoin a list of all the editions of the "Gentle Shepherd" to which we have had access during the preparation of the present edition; with a few slight remarks as to the character of these editions.
Poems:—"Printed for the Author at the Mercury, opposite, to Niddry's Wynd;" 1 vol. medium 8vo. Edinburgh, 1720-1.
This is, perhaps, the first collected edition. It contains exactly the same poems (though differently arranged) and glossary, as the subscription 4to. of 1721. It has the first scene of the Pastoral, and the 11th Song.
Poems:—"Printed by Mr. Thomas Ruddiman, for the Author." 2 vols. 4to. Edinburgh, 1721-28.
This is the subscription and, probably, the "best edition." The 1st volume has the first scene of the Pastoral, and the 11th Song: the 2d volume has the Pastoral complete.
*Poems:—Millar, Rivington, and others; 2 vols. 12mo. London, 1761.
A neat edition, containing exactly the same poems as that of 1721-28.
*Poems:—Phorson; cheap edition; 2 vols. 12mo. Berwick, 1793.
*Poems:—Cadell and Davies; 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1800.
This edition is well printed, on good paper: it is commonly called the "best edition;" but, so far as the "Gentle Shepherd" is concerned, it is not so.
Poems and Proverbs:—Oliver and Co.; 3 vols. 18mo. Edinburgh, no date.
Neat edition, with plates, and music to the Songs in the "Gentle Shepherd."
Poems and Proverbs:—Chapman; 2 vols. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1813.
Poems:—Fairbairn and Anderson; 1 vol. 24mo. Edinburgh, 1819.
Neat but abridged edition; with Life of Ramsay by Wm. Tennant, author of "Anster fair."