The Musical Cyclopedia; Being a collection of the most approved English, Scottish and Irish songs - Wilson, James; Grier, William (London Bell, 1836)
The Songbook is preceded by a lengthy essay (84 pages) on musical theory 'The first Principles of Music' by William Grier.
Quite some songs are by Robert Burns (1759–1796) generally considered the national poet of Scotland, not only for his poems but for his songs. He avidly collected traditional melodies and composed lyrics to them if these did not exist; if they did exist, he passionately fought to preserve them in their original Scots form rather than Anglicize them.
Further composers are Dibdin, Sheridan, Hamilton, Lowe, Shield, Campbell, Dr. Percy, O'Keefe, H.P. Macleod, Mitchell a.o.
With appropriate music, adapted to the voice, pianoforte, etc. by James Wilson, ESQ. To which is prepfixed an elaborate essay on the first principles of music by William Grier, A.M.
Keywords: 19th Century (1801-1900); 18th Century (1701-1800); Poetry; Folk music; Song; Poetry; Vocal music; Music theory; Scotland; Ireland; United Kingdom