Look in the new bibliography of Service's writings compiled by Vancouver writer Peter Mitham, published this month by Oak Knoll Press of New Castle, Delaware, and you'll see that Scots also keep Service's reputation alive through critical commentaries, biographies and even dramatic productions. Born in Preston, Lancashire, in 1874, Service spent much of his boyhood with his aunts and grandfather in Kilwinning before rejoining his parents in Glasgow at the age of 10. In Ayrshire, he was taught to revere Robert Burns and developed a love of verse. As a teenager he contributed verse to newspapers in Glasgow, and as an adult he moved to Canada and eventually wrote the verse of the Klondike gold rush (1898-1901) for which he remains best known.

He wasn't the type of person who would have read a bibliography, however, and indeed, bibliographies aren't for everyone. This one is especially detailed, with lengthy descriptions of title pages, dust jackets and publication history (when available) of 65 titles published under Service's name up to 1998.

But a bit of digging yields some solid nuggets for the general reader interested in knowing a bit more about Scottish books and culture. A record of Service's publication, the bibliography documents the growing interest he has attracted in Scotland since the 1960s. Mitham's research shows that Service is as entitled to be considered a Scottish poet as a Yukon bard.

Mitham's research also indicates that Service's books were more Scottish than Service himself might have expected: Glasgow and Edinburgh printing firms, such as R. & R. Clark, frequently produced Service's work and continue to do so to the present day (the most recent printing of The Best of Robert Service, 1995, was done by Bell and Bain of Glasgow).

At a more eclectic level, a handful of entries refer to plaques, parodies of Service's work and other homage Scots have paid Service through the years. Though he may not have had a great impact on the Scottish literary imagination, his work is enjoyed by a great many who consider Service one of their own.

A final note: Scottish libraries were invaluable in preparing this book. They have many rich resources available for researchers of Scottish culture, resources with which Mitham was familiar and able to use in documenting Service's prolific career.

E-Mail the author! Peter J. Mitham

Links:

Oak Knoll Press: Robert W. Service: A Bibliography

The Original Robert W. Service Website