Notebook of the Reverend Robert Kirk, later Minister of Aberfoyle and author of ‘The secret commonwealth of elves, fauns, and fairies’, titled, ‘First Manuscript. A Miscellany of occurring thoughts on various occasions. Ro: Kirk. Love and Live; August i at Balquhidder, 1678'.
Scope and Contents
Reverend Kirk’s reflections on moral, religious, ecclesiastical, and general questions (including traditions about witches and fairies) give, incidentally, a picture of life in a Highland parish.
Dates
- Creation: 1678.
Conditions Governing Access
Normal access conditions apply.
Conditions Governing Use
Normal reproduction conditions apply, subject to any copyright restrictions.
Extent
190 Leaves ; 140 x 65 millimetres.
Language of Materials
Undetermined
Arrangement
190 folios.
Custodial History
Inside the flap of the vellum cover are the date 1698 and the names Thomas Rutherfoord, and C Kirk (possibly the writer's son, Colin Kirk, Writer to the Signet).
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Presented, 1952, by Mrs Baird Smith, Drymen, widow of David Baird Smith.
Bibliography
Kirk, Robert. ‘Secret commonwealth of elves, faum, and fairies’ (London, 1893).
For the Gaelic poem contained in the manuscript, see Colm Ó Baoill, "Robert Kirk's lament for his wife", Scottish Gaelic Studies XV (1988), pages 140-144.
Genre / Form
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division
- Description rules
- International Standard for Archival Description - General
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk