Robert Burns's Autograph Manuscript for 'Geordie – an Old Ballad'.

The article focuses on the recent acquisition by the University of South Carolina's G. Ross Collection of a well-authenticated autograph manuscript of the ballad "Geordie," which Robert Burns sent to James Johnson for inclusion in the Scots Musical Museum. The manuscript, acquired at a 2025 Christie's auction, provides evidence of Burns's role as a song collector and editor rather than as the author of "Geordie," an old traditional ballad likely transmitted orally before its publication. The article traces the manuscript's provenance through Burns's descendants, American collectors, and its eventual return to the Roy Collection, highlighting its significance in understanding Burns's editorial contributions to Scottish song heritage. While Burns may have lightly edited the ballad, scholarly consensus treats "Geordie" as a traditional song rather than an original Burns composition, though its publication in the Museum helped cement its place in the Scottish song canon.