"The biographical sketch is carefully executed, and not too enthusiastic for the occasion."—Times.
"Is deserving of notice on account not only of the excellence of its paper and typography, but of the sane way in which the personal character and literary qualities of the author of 'Tam O' Shanter' are appraised in the biographical sketch which serves by way of introduction."—Daily News.
"Its price, its completeness, and the care bestowed in the arrangement of its contents, their annotation, and the preparation of a glossary, should have vogue with the admirers of Burns."—Scotsman.
"Mr. James A. Manson, the editor, has written a biographical introduction, in which he takes a temperate and common-sense view of the poet."—Dundee Advertiser.
"The volumes are such a treat to handle and read that they are certain to be popular."—Glasgow Herald.
"To anyone in search of a 'Burns' we thoroughly recommend this scholarly and beautiful edition."—Freeman's Journal.
"Contains an admirable biographical sketch, which, unlike most biographies, overlooks with kindly eye the follies of the erratic genius."—Graphic.
"There are several features in connection with the work which in our opinion specially commend it to admirers of our national poet at this time. While it is one of the smallest and handiest editions, it is also one of the most complete."—People's Friend.
"A most attractive edition."—Cassel's Saturday Journal.
"The thoroughness of the notes and the fulness and clearness of the English equivalents in the glossary unite in making this one of the very best editions of Burns ever published."—North British Daily Mail.