Scotland: Castles and Clans: The Legends

good gift

Remember that unique instructor or professor, back in high school or college, who actually made learning their particular course an enjoyable experience? Sure, I understand elementary school had its share of special teachers, too, but let's face it; everything in grade school was geared towards fun. Recess ended the moment we departed those hallowed halls to consider electives and a major course of study. One avenue we might have chosen was history, a career choice that, when it comes to Scottish history, author Brian C. Mack excels. A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (FSA Scot) Brian's new book, SCOTLAND: CASTLES AND CLANS THE LEGENDS is not only a pleasure to explore, but also represents one of those enjoyable departures in learning. The title alone reveals that this is not your typical history book.Once readers release themselves from the spectacular cover art, the fun begins. Brian divided his manuscript into two primary sections: one relating to the Scottish Highlands; the other to the Lowlands. He orients readers by opening the individual segments with a map that pinpoints the many castles, palaces and "houses" featured in the book that served to inspire legends. Each entry that follows treats readers to both visual and mental images. Alone, the colorful original artwork provided by Karol K. Mack, plus the author's photographs displayed throughout the book are well worth the `price of admission'. In addition, Brian provides factual information pertaining to each featured castle, such as: the family(s)/clan(s) that resided there; a brief summary regarding the structure's significance; and a timeline that reflects important dates, people and events associated with the individual strongholds. But what's a castle without a legend to embrace it?As he states in the book's Introduction, Brian accepts that "...Scotland's voices create a great choir representing a collective memory comprised of legends. Past or present, the words that define a nation's heritage come to life through human voices...A legend is foremost a collection of beliefs relaying past events that exemplify the hopes, fears and loves of a people." With this basic understanding in mind, plus his extensive knowledge of the Scottish people, places and past events, Brian weaves his own version of the "truth" utilizing a writer's voice that portrays excellent character studies and plots that convey readers back to a time of kings and nobleman struggling with greed, power and the sanctity of a nation, while governing within the security of dense stone walls.For folks with a brogue in their veins, Brian also included a clan map to track your heritage; a timeline of Royal Dynasties and Monarchs of Scotland; a Family Name and Clan Index; and a list of suggested further reading materials. For those lacking the genes, kilts, tam and pipes, Brian empathizes and blesses us with a glossary as well.Whether or not you possess Scottish bloodlines, SCOTLAND: CASTLES AND CLANS THE LEGENDS is a book for all to enjoy, an informative yet entertaining volume you can sit down with a cup of tea, read at your leisure and come back to again, and again.

Book was smaller than i expected

Imagine sitting in a Scottish pub before a roaring fire, listening to an old bearded fellow smoking a pipe spin a tale about the castle on the hill.If you are unable to travel to Scotland to listen to the stories or explore the castles, simply open Brian Mack's "Scotland Castles and Clans: the Legends." This striking book will transport you there through the magic of Brian's words and Karol Mack's vibrant color paintings.For more than a decade, Brian toured castles in the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands and gathered tales and legends and stories. He distilled his research and selected 36 castles to feature in his book, 18 in the Highlands and 18 in the Lowlands. A map at the beginning of each section shows each castle's location.Karol Mack's wonderful paintings draw the eye, beginning with Castle Stalker on the cover. Black and white photos complement the paintings and give the reader a flavor of the landscape surrounding each castle. A sidebar accompanies each castle description and lists a timeline of important events. Also, Brian explains which clan occupied the castle and gives a brief history.This is fact. First and foremost, Brian is a historian. But he is also a wonderful writer. What makes this collection unique are the stories that surround each castle. Relying on each castle's legends and tales, Brian tells stories that transport the reader to another place and another time.For instance, enjoy the Legend of Glamis Castle, a tale about Thomas Bowes-Lyon. His tombstone states that he lived and died the same day. Father Jacob met Thomas ten years after his "death" in a prison cell hidden in the depths of the castle away from human eyes and...well, you get the idea.Or, read about Hermitage Castle, described as the guardhouse to the bloodiest valley in Britain. When William, the laird of Hermitage, employs a goblin called a Redcap to rid his kingdom of the troublesome Graham brothers, the tables are turned when the intended victims learn of his devilish plan.So sit back, pour a cup of tea, and travel through the magic of words and the beauty of paintings to the castles of Scotland.