Praise for The Ghost of Rabbie Burns
"This collection of well crafted poems by Laurence Overmire was inspired by his pilgrimage, in 2014, to the 'enchanted land' of his forefathers, Scotland. The poet's “yearning to connect” with his Scottish heritage is touchingly sincere and thoughtful. Many of the poems are historically informative and well researched, some atmospherically descriptive and others laced with a wry but kindly humour. The author's philosophical observations and ideals are in line with Scotland's egalitarian stance in the world often represented through the writings of Robert Burns to whom Overmire pays homage.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this poetic journey and am always gratified by the tremendous enthusiasm, joy and love displayed by the great Scottish diaspora for the culture, scenery and people of it's Motherland. This fine collection of poems from the pen of Laurence Overmire leaves us in no doubt of his sense of belonging to Scotland."
~ Isla St Clair, singer and broadcaster
"A wonderful book of poetry and a great asset if you are making a trip to Scotland."
~ Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell
"To most people there comes a time when they ask, Where do I come from? Who were my forefathers? And above all, Where do I fit in to all of this? This book, The Ghost of Rabbie Burns, offers the reader a pathway into the past where one can gain a true perspective of their own Scottish heritage, and for the non-Scot, an understanding of the culture with which Robert Burns wrote, and was so passionate about.
Historically interesting and accurate, intelligently put together, an ideal platform for the enquiring mind to gain a passionate perspective of olden Caledonia. Read and enjoy."
~ Steve McDonald, composer, Sons of Somerled
"The Ghost of Rabbie Burns is for Americans of Scottish descent who value and celebrate their ancestral connections, as do I. This book is a poetic, informed and sensitive testament to Scotland – its history, its art, its enduring values, its conflicts, and its spirituality. I am delighted with Mr. Overmire as poet and author. I recommend the volume."
~ Weeden Nichols, F.S.A. Scot., President, Clan MacLeod Society USA
"Laurence has created what I would describe as a free form guide book to his ancestral home, an amusing, heartfelt, historical journey that every exile should take - in each passing generation, grows a greater patriotism for the motherland. Weel duin, Laurence."
~ Iain H Scott, Scocha
"What Overmire has captured is that idea of the warrior/poet/wanderer so many of us dream of being. We can live the adventure of William Wallace at Stirling Bridge, or the devotion of Greyfriars Bobby, or the heartbreak of Culloden that one cannot help but feel in your first visit to Scotland. Whither from your armchair at home with a glass of single malt in your hand, or on the plane ride over for your own first Scottish Adventure, I would highly recommend Overmire’s capture of his own 'first trip home.' "
~ Eric Bullard, President, Clan Buchanan Society Intl., Inc.
"The Ghost of Rabbie Burns is an engaging meditation on Scotland, its history, places and people which have contributed toward the creation of Scottish identity."
~ Rev. Calum I. MacLeod, Minister of St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh
"The imagery evoked in his verse and the moral lessons imparted by Laurence represent the message of Robert Burns for the modern time. We are reminded of the timelessness of the Bard and the debt we owe to improve life around us."
~ Mark Myers, President, Clan Maclean Association of California, USA
"Insightful and delightful. Overmire's account of visiting Scotland, the world of his ancestors, is heartfelt and combines history lessons with scenes as a tourist just fumbling along. The Ghost of Rabbie Burns reveals how a poet can connect the dots of the past and the present to the future as a visitor in the auld world."
~ Stewart MacNeil, The Barra MacNeils
"He uncovers the heart of each place he visits and helps us know the very soul of this country. In reading his verse, we come to discern not only who the ancient Scots were, but also, who we, the descents of these often fierce people, really are. As Overmire states, 'fantasy, myth, legend, truth. All are intertwined in the story that is Scotland.'"
~ Anita Scott-Philbrick, Ph.D, Deputy Chieftain, Clan Scott Society
"Poet Laurence Overmire has captured what it is like for those with even a trace of Scottish heritage to long for a connection with their ancestral roots. In The Ghost of Rabbie Burns he reveals in poetic form those aspects of Scottish history and Scottish personages that have had such an influential impact on western civilization. It is refreshing to view history in the context of poetry."
~ Larry Bardell, President, Oregon Scottish Society
"In here there’s honest poetry,
That paints a heart, an’ a’ that,
The Laurence way, through pass and glen,
We see a land an’ a’ that.
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
The map’s obscure, an’ a’ that,
But the heart and lore comes shining through,
The book’s the gowd for a’ that!"
With apologies to the Bard.
~ The Rev. Richard Frazer, Minister of Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh
"Upon reading thru this exquisite book, I couldn't help but think of my travels thru the homeland of my forefathers... my memories being awakened from the creativity of the author and his ability to recreate experiences I fell in love with. The art of painting into words my homeland and its history was well done and should be experienced by all whose blood runs ‘Per Mare Per Terras.' "
~ Chevalier Dr. Gregory A. McDonald, D.D.S., K.T.J., formerly Ohio Deputy Commissioner, Clan Donald USA
"An enchanting read that highlights Clan Douglas and the amazing Robert Burns."
~ Carol Morton-Bianchini, Regent (North), Clan Douglas Society of North America
"This is a memorable and skillful collection which admirably manages to capture some of the idiosyncrasies of both Scotland and America. It is to be hoped that it will find an appreciative readership on both sides of the Atlantic."
~ Ted Cowan, Emeritus Professor of Scottish history and literature, University of Glasgow
"A pleasant book to curl up with on a cold winter's evening in front of the fireplace, or at the beach on a sunny summer day."
~ Margaret Frost, Chairman, Scottish American Society, and President, American Clan Cumming Association