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'Within a few minutes of this book arriving, I had put bookmarks in five places and was roaring through the index. A lovely compilation. It's the real macabre' --Terry Pratchett
`An enthralling treasure chest of Scottish myths and legends ... With this incredible collection, Westwood and Kingshill have ensured that from Paisley patterns to Glasgow battlefields, to the witches of Dumfriesshire and the secrets of Mary King's Close in Edinburgh, the stories of the past have now been preserved for future generations' --Daily Record
`This is a well researched book exploring the rich folklore of Scotland ... The breadth and range of this book is wide ... Amusing and erudite, it's also an excellent guide to local variations in Scottish culture' --Sunday Telegraph
`A fascinating read which looks at mythical beings from kelpies and waterhorses to modern-day vampires' --Scottish Sunday Mail
`... More than 500 Scottish legends, fairytales, folklore, myths and poems included in an impressive 554-page epic, The Lore of Scotland [includes] ... every part of Scotland ... with an A to Z that goes from Achinduin on Lismore to Vaul on Tiree'
--Sunday Post
`An enthralling treasure chest of Scottish myths and legends ... With this incredible collection, Westwood and Kingshill have ensured that from Paisley patterns to Glasgow battlefields, to the witches of Dumfriesshire and the secrets of Mary King's Close in Edinburgh, the stories of the past have now been preserved for future generations' --Daily Record
`This is a well researched book exploring the rich folklore of Scotland ... The breadth and range of this book is wide ... Amusing and erudite, it's also an excellent guide to local variations in Scottish culture' --Sunday Telegraph
`A fascinating read which looks at mythical beings from kelpies and waterhorses to modern-day vampires' --Scottish Sunday Mail
`... More than 500 Scottish legends, fairytales, folklore, myths and poems included in an impressive 554-page epic, The Lore of Scotland [includes] ... every part of Scotland ... with an A to Z that goes from Achinduin on Lismore to Vaul on Tiree'
--Sunday Post
Book Description
A magnificent exploration of Scotland's legendary past
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Robert Burns once wrote of his mother's cousin Betty Davidson that she had "the largest collection in the country of tales and songs concerning devils, ghosts, fairies, brownies, witches, warlocks, spunkies, kelpies, elf-candles, dead-lights, wraiths, apparitions, cantraips, giants, enchanted towers, dragons, and other trumpery" - and now, auld Betty has at last been out-trumped by Jennifer Westwood and Sophia Kingshill in The Lore of Scotland. This is a must-have book for anyone who has even a passing curiosity about Scottish folklore and the Scottish imagination. For the casual reader it is a beautifully presented book, with over 500 fascinating instances of folklore, drawn from across Scotland and illustrated with numerous engravings and colour plates. For people with a more serious interest, it is a scholarly and compelling work - the entries are arranged in a gazetteer and supported by a series of essays and thorough bibliography, references and comprehensive index, along with an index of concordance with migratory legends. It's genius really - in that the book can be used in so many ways. It is great for anyone interested in their local history; a wonderful tool for planning travel in Scotland; essential reading for authors and storytellers; a perfect reference book for students and researchers; a gift to journalists facing a slow news week and a delight just to dip into at random to discover yet another story. More than anything, the book shows a richness of story and magic that, far from being mere remnants of parochial superstition, creates a picture of shared traditions - helping us to get closer to those fundamental tales and impulses that lie at the heart of our souls and by doing so, get closer to understanding each other. There is remarkable humanist character to the lore and to the book that documents it so masterfully. Buy it - or get a fairy to steal it for you.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
For many years I enjoyed the "Lore of the Land" which is a guide to the legends of England. I long wished for a companion north of the border and now I have it. And I'm not disappointed. Interestingly in the introduction to "Lore of the Land" the authors - one of whom worked on this book - remarked that a knowledge of Gaelic would be necessary to produce a Scottish volume; I'm not sure if the authors have this, or went ahead anyway, but if not it does not detract from the comprehensiveness of this volume.
Many entries begin with references to nineteenth century antiquarians or sources from the middle ages, and this is a work of scholarship - it's often sceptical and seeks to explain themes. It's not a book of "true hauntings" and those who approach it in this way may be disappointed.
It's a great book to have in the car, and if like me you share holiday travelling with your wife, it's a treat to have an hour in the passenger seat brousing through the area we're driving through. It also helps to point out a few sites to visit, though it is not primarily a guide book.
It's interesting that this book has been written by two English authors. Without being too political, in this age of rising Scottish nationalism, it is a lesson to us that our bonds with England continue to serve us well.
Many entries begin with references to nineteenth century antiquarians or sources from the middle ages, and this is a work of scholarship - it's often sceptical and seeks to explain themes. It's not a book of "true hauntings" and those who approach it in this way may be disappointed.
It's a great book to have in the car, and if like me you share holiday travelling with your wife, it's a treat to have an hour in the passenger seat brousing through the area we're driving through. It also helps to point out a few sites to visit, though it is not primarily a guide book.
It's interesting that this book has been written by two English authors. Without being too political, in this age of rising Scottish nationalism, it is a lesson to us that our bonds with England continue to serve us well.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
There is just so much in this book: it is very difficult to stop reading. Like a lot of this type of book (Brewer etc), you think you're just going to look at one more entry, and then an hour later you're still sitting on the floor of your living room reading another (fascinating, crazy, historically gripping) moment of folklore.
This is really well-written, and makes me want to visit Scotland more. An excellent grab-bag of tales and stories, some of which you think you already know.
This is really well-written, and makes me want to visit Scotland more. An excellent grab-bag of tales and stories, some of which you think you already know.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great book of Scottish Heritage
As a regular traveller across the Border I love to hear tales of the countries heritage from each of the corners. Read more
Published on 7 Feb 2010 by Gareth Wilson - Falcata Times Blog
Book Review
Bought this book as a birthday present for my partner and he just loves it. He loves the whole Scottish thing and the myths and legends and is enjoying reading his way through the... Read more
Published on 9 Nov 2009 by Mr. Michael Murray
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