poems, chiefly in the scottish dialect (edinburgh edition) is commonly known as the first edinburgh edition and the partial second impression has become known as the stinking edition. it is a collection of poetry and songs by robert burns, first "printed for the author" by william smellie in edinburgh and published or "sold by william creech" of edinburgh on the 17 april, an announcement being made in the "edinburgh advertiser" on that date, although the date 21 april 1786 is given by a few authors. the kilmarnock edition made robert burns "caledonia's bard" whilst the 'edinburgh edition' elevated him into a position amongst the world's greatest poets.