When did Burns Suppers start? Why is it celebrated all over the world? Who can join in the fun? Spanning the history of the phenomenon, from the year of its creation in 1801 to the present day, this book offers you everything you need to know about the Burns Supper, and the poet for whom it is held every year. From the origins of the custom to its modern day interpretations, from the rituals and traditions to the fun and fellowship, this first full-length study of the unique annual celebration of Scotland's national poet answers every question you can think of, along with every one you can't.

"This work explores the lyric poem as an indispensable artifact at the intersection of literary and media studies and a critical index of the social history of technological change"--