After Robert Burns' early death in 1796, his friends agreed that a biography of the poet should be written, the proceeds of which would help to support his widow and young sons. To this end they selected Dr. James Currie, a medical man from Liverpool. Dr. Currie had few literary credentials apart from his admiration of the poet's work and had met Burns only once. At the time, however, those who knew Burns better were unwilling to take on the role of biographer and the primary aim of the publication was to raise money for the poet's family. Some critics feel that Currie's treatment of his subject raised misconceptions about Burns' life which survive to this day. The doctor chose to put a moral slant on the life of the poet and lecture readers on the consequences of drunkenness and excess. However, much of the biography takes the form of letters written by the poet's friends and relatives and these provide a less judgmental view of his life. While Burns is portrayed as an imperfect genius, the poetry in these volumes speaks for itself.
