The Collins Scottish Clan Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

The most distinctive feature of Scotland’s history, nationally and internationally, is that of clanship. Although the clans are no longer the social force they once were, the continuing interest in them is testimony to the hold on the imagination that the sense of clan identity still has for very many people worldwide.

However, the desire for knowledge about the great clans and families of Scotland frequently outstrips the ability of published works to satisfy it. The 'Scottish Clan and Family Encylopedia' redresses this situation. Beautifully illustrated throughout, and featuring many specially commissioned illustrations, this is the most comprehensive and authoritative work yet published on the subject. It provides the histories and heraldic details of over 300 of Scotland’s best-known and most famous clans and families, as well as highly informative essays on key elements of clan life and society including:
• the history and the development of the clan system
• the law of the clan
• tartan and Highland dress
• heraldry

In addition, an extensive collection of appendices draws together a wide range of information which has never before appeared in a single volume.

The 'Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia' is the work of a team of renowned specialists and, in addition to their own contributions, has been compiled and edited by George Way of Plean and Romily Squire, respectively the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs; this is the only book to have received the imprimatur of this important and influential organisation.

Revised and updated to reflect changes in clan society since its original publication in 1994, the 'Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia' is the definitive single-volume reference work on the Scottish clans and will appeal to everyone of Scottish ancestry throughout the world.

GEORGE WAY OF PLEAN LLB (hons) SSC, Baron of Plean, is a native of Edinburgh and studied law at the University of Edinburgh. He was apprenticed to Beveridge and Kellas WS in Leith where he is currently a litigation partner. He has been Secretary of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs since 1982

ROMILLY SQUIRE OStJ, was born and educated in Glasgow where he attended the School of Art. He is a heraldic artist in the Court of the Lord Lyon and at the office of the Chief Herald of Ireland. An Officer of the Venerable Order of St John, he is presently the Deputy Secretary of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.

Both editors are Fellows of the Royal Society of Arts and of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and regularly collaborate on heraldry projects. They advise public and private bodies, including two European royal houses, on heraldic matters.

'Here is a compendium of all that one wants to know and all that one ought to know of an important aspect of Scotland’s story and history'… NIGEL TRANTER

'Anyone interested in Scottish history should read this book' HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF HAMILTON Hereditary Keeper of The Palace of Holyrood house and author of ‘Maria R’

'One can see only an astonishingly well-thumbed future for this fascinating work'THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

'This accomplished and exceptionally well-presented book is the only work on Scottish family history that you will need to buy in the next half century'THE FIELD