Scotland Books

I have an interest in Orkney history due to the fact that a quarter of my own ancestry comes from there, so I picked up this book thinking I might learn a few things about Orkney during the Norse years. I honestly didn't expect much, having never heard of the author and seeing that it was his first work of fiction in years. I expected to have to wade through tedious prose and poor character development around a so-so plot. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. It was well-written, the main characters holding my interest and attention, and I found myself having a hard time putting the book down. I find myself wanting more. I'd like to encourage the author to write more Orkney historical fiction, perhaps something in the James Michener style following a family from ancient times to the present. I'd love to read a novel exploring Orkney history throughout more than just one distant century.

The Highlanders are some sort of legendary combatants in the World War II Allied Forces. This book focuses particalulary on the 51st Highland Division operational history etc. Africa, Sicily, Normandy and finally German. I really enjoyed reading this work. Don't miss the title!

This is an indispensible item for any wild-camping, off-the-beaten path travel in northern Skye. Due to the climate, I highly recommend the Active version which is laminated (yet still foldable). This map, apart from my compass, was the most utilized item for my trip there and I was very very glad I got the waterproof version even though it costed quite a bit more at the beginning.

You do not have to be a Celtic fan to enjoy this but it does help. David Bennie is one of the most brilliant of the new soccer literati and his humor is what sets him apart from the field. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Containing a compendium of Scottish traditions and folklore, this book was a labor of love for the author, Reverend Walter Gregor who spent years researching Scottish history and folklore. Originally published in the 1800s, it has stood the test of time and is still considered among the best works out there on the subject. Sections include such subjects as: Who may be present at childbirth, how to prevent the "evil eye" being turned on children...how to find out a "fairy changeling"...marriage traditions...animal and plant superstitions...and more.

Gerry Cambridge knows Scotland intimately -- every nook and cranny, it would seem. His photographs of flora and fauna are lovingly taken, and reveal an intimacy with the subject. Whether the scales of a moth's wing, the tiny but fierce face of a wolf spider, or the simple beauty of fallen maple leaves, Cambridge's photos capture the coutryside of Scotland. Not to be outdone is his verse, which runs alongside the photos. Cambridge is a deft poet; his words form lush pictures of their own. Together, the poet and photographer has created a glimpse of natural Scotland that is a feast for the eyes, and for the ears when the poems are read aloud; his fine work is a must for anyone who loves poetry, nature, and Scotland.

Keep this one on your night table. Make sure you have your reading glasses nearby. Hope you do not have to get up and travel to work in the AM. Once you open this book it is rather difficult to close. A good dose of reading all around. Highly recommended.

This book is amazing, and magical, and one of my favorite books since I first read it over a decade ago. It is both haunting and humorous. To be honest, I don't normally write reviews. I am writing this one both because of how much I have loved this book, and how much I am surprised that it hasn't been the subject of countless reviews.

Oatmeal and the Catechism: Scottish Gaelic Settlers in Quebec My grandparents came to Canada in the late 1800s from Lewis, Scotland. When I saw this book title, I was hoping for information about life in those early days. I was absolutely thrilled to discover the book included the story of my gandmother and her sister, their journey from Scotland, and their life in Canada. I have communicated with the author, and hope to meet her some day. For me, this book is a treasure!!!!!!!

Anyone who has ever had an interest in crime this is the book for you. It is written (and written well) by the two foremost respected criminologists in the UK. It covers everything from the early years of crime detection including Jack the Ripper up until modern day times - with ALOT in between. This book should be on every true crime buff's shelf. An amazing reference book and interesting read.