Nancy Marshall Knihy

In 1801, some five years after Robert Burns' death, nine of his friends sat down to dinner in what is now known as Burns Cottage in Alloway to celebrate his extraordinary life and to give thanks for his friendship. Over the years the informal theme from that evening has developed into the ritual known as Burns Night, celebrated every year on 25 January by countless people across the world. This best-selling book is the essential guide for anyone intending to hold or attend a Burns Night of any size. In addition to setting out the order of events for the evening, the Burns Supper Companion also offers fascinating insights into the traditions surrounding Burns Night and includes a biography of the poet, poems, songs and quotations, sample speeches and even a recipe for haggis. Nancy Marshall has spent a large part of her life living and working in Edinburgh. She read English Literature and Medieval History at Edinburgh University, going on to write widely about Scottish song and the poems and songs of Robert Burns.

The book explores the multifaceted experiences of urban squares, categorizing them into a typology that considers ownership, functional roles, and essential physical characteristics. It examines both successful and unsuccessful examples, highlighting how these public spaces serve as places for social interaction, connectivity, and visual representation in urban environments. Through this analysis, it provides insights into the significance of squares in city life and their impact on community dynamics.