During his short life Burns wrote a great deal of poetry to or about women. Some were written as love poems or songs, intended to sway the heart of whoever had caught his eye, others in honour of a more casual acquaintance whose beauty or talents had impressed him in some way. Others were composed simply as a form of thank you letter for gifts or hospitality that he may have received.

Robert Burns – The Lassies is a collection of all these poems, each accompanied by a detailed history of Burns' relationship with the subject. This is the definitive compilation of songs and poems about the women in Burns' life.