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Author	Topic: Scottish Books - Reviews
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 11-09-99 06:40 AM Obviously, being a Scot, my main interest lies within the rich heritage of my own country. Scotland provided it's own wide variety of styles of building,and historical drama which is difficult to rival. From a fiction point of view, the works of Nigel Tranter provide fair historical accuracy, within the bounds of his own interpretation of events, and give a reasonable view of life in various periods. Outstanding amongst these are 'The Bruce Trilogy', and 'The Wallace'. Both describe events in and around numerous castles in Scotland. From a factual point of view, detailed architectural descriptions do not come better than ' The Domestic & Castellated Architecture of Scotland', by McGibbon & Ross, 1887. This five volume epic is the Scottish castle hunters bible, and provides plans, drawings, descriptions, and a fair bit of local history. For listings of Scottish Castles, long gone and still standing, the gazetteer 'The Castles of Scotland'2nd edition by Martin Coventry, pub. Goblinshead 1997, can't be beaten, until a third edition comes out. However for long I wanted a combination of the two above for my local area, and so have written my own, and must out of bias and local preference, be my favourite. [This message has been edited by wurdsmiff (edited 11-09-99).]
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 06-19-2000 02:47 PM 'Atlas of Scottish History to 1707' edited by Peter G B McNeil and Hector L MacQueen, the Scottish Medievalists and Department of Geography, University of Edinburgh, 1996. ISBN 0 9503904 1 0 Cost Ł30 462 pages packed with recently compiled maps detailing data on a variety of topics from the formation of the land to the Act of Union. Example topics; Defensible houses in Southern Scotland and northern England, Castles and Strongpoints, Mottes, Moated sites, defence with guns, the Crusades, Military orders in Scotland, landed influence in the fifteenth century, the Norman network, the Church, Trade , the Burghs, the Lordship of the Isles...... About 5oo maps in total, this is an invaluable resource for serious Scottish history enthusiasts. ------------------ 'Give me the groves that lofty brave, The storms, by Castle Gordon'. Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 06-19-2000 02:55 PM Scottish Historical Documents, Prof. Gordon Donaldson,reprint NWP 1999, Ł14.99, ISBN 1 897784 41 4 A collection of source material from some 242 documents which illustrate both the administration and history of Scotland, including The Declaration of Arbroath, examples of Acts of Parliament, land grants, treaties, education,the Kirk, the succesion, and much more. Greatly informative, and educational. Not specifically about castles, but great background material. ------------------ 'Give me the groves that lofty brave, The storms, by Castle Gordon'. Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 07-20-2000 04:22 PM The third edition of 'The Castles of Scotland' by Martin Coventry should be out by September. The book will take the usual gazeteer format, complete with 20 pages of maps and 300 illustrations. This edition will include around 2400 fortified sites. It will be available in his usual paperback format, however a deluxe hardback edition with 16 page colour illustration section will also be available. Publisher Goblinshead ISBN 1 899874 26 7 Paperback Ł15.95 1 899874 27 5 Deluxe Ł25.00 Deluxe edition released for sale 20.2.01!!! Superb presentaion with 2700 (hence late release) Scottish castle sites listed -plus many historic mansions which proved not to be fortified. Well worth buying for the illustrations alone. ------------------ 'Give me the groves that lofty brave, The storms, by Castle Gordon'. Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon. [This message has been edited by wurdsmiff (edited 02-21-2001).]
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 07-26-2000 02:29 PM Ancestral Castles of Scotland Hugh cantlie, with photography by Sampson Lloyd Collins & Brown 1992 Ł8.99 ISBN1 85585 118 0 Superb photographs and accompanying narrative on 27 of Scotland's 'most historic and romantic private castles' A bit of a bargain this if you appreciate the photography (including interior detail such as the 1597 painted ceiling at Delgatie) and the thorough history. ------------------ 'Give me the groves that lofty brave, The storms, by Castle Gordon'. Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
Levan Moderator	posted 07-26-2000 04:18 PM I have a copy of Gordon's latest recommendation and concur with his description of the photographs - they're superb. This is not just a picture book however, I particularly like the close association the book makes between the castles and the families that lived there. I guess my favorite insight from the book is the description of Ardblair Castle, which is pointed out as having a rare anti-clockwise turnpike stair on account of the propensity to left-handedness of the Blair's who built it (I'm left-handed too). Levan
Levan Moderator	posted 08-04-2000 02:25 AM Tracing Scottish Local History Scottish Record Office HMSO ISBN 0-11-495231-0 A book that provides an authoritative guide to the range of materials held by the Scottish Record Office. Actually there's a whole host of information covered, from buildings, streets, land-holdings, administrative districts and so on. The book has information about tracing more people oriented issues including legal actions such as disputes between landlords and tennants, workers and staff. The book also provides detailed information on how to carry out research both at the Record Office and from other sources. A word of warning - this is a reference work - most will find this book useful, perhaps even interesting but certainly not inspiring. Another disappointment most will encounter is the news that to trace many earlier records you'll need cope with Latin - hardly the book's fault, of course! Levan
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 08-20-2000 03:24 PM 'Medieval Scotland' by Peter Yeoman published by BT Batsford and Historic Scotland in 1995. ISBN 0 7134 7465 3. This book uses modern archaeological evidence to describe life in rural and urban Scotland in the middle ages, describing lifestyles of the lower classes, clerics and nobles, within the burghs,castles, monasteries and in the countryside. For purchasing info go to the Batsford/ Historic Scotland website at http://www.batsford.com/Archaeology/HSCOT.html ------------------ 'Give me the groves that lofty brave, The storms, by Castle Gordon'. Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon. [This message has been edited by wurdsmiff (edited 12-14-2000).]
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-07-2000 05:15 AM These I should have included a long time ago, The Fortified House in Scotland, Nigel Tranter,5 volumes, ISBN 0901824 42 9 Reprinted and revised 1986, from original 1962 editions, pub. The Mercat Press. Tranters love of the Scottish castle inspired him to use it as the basis of his numerous historical novels. These books detail the history of most of the remaining tower and hall houses of Scotland, each with his own pencil sketches, description of the building, and historical detail. They are much quoted books which are second in importance only to MacGibbon and Ross in recording extant Scottish castles. Tranter's books, however did not include what he called the great fortress homes of the higher nobility, and so sites such as Edinburgh, Crookston, Stirling and Bothwell are omitted. These books deal with fortalices, lesser castles, peel-towers, keeps and defensible lairds houses. Scotland,he said, is richer in these than any other country in the world. They certainly reflect the character and culture of the nation. These are a must read for any one who has an interest in Scottish castles. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-07-2000 05:24 AM Much mentioned, never given a proper listing here, David Macgibbon, Thomas Ross, The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland, Mercat Press,1977, facsimilie edition of 19thc originals. ISBN 0901824 186. 5 huge volumes packed with detailed descriptions and architectural drawings of hundreds of Scottish castles, with added data on specific items such as collegiate churches, sundials, town houses..... Lenghty data on contracted masons, Royal Clerks of Works, and a lenghty introduction detailing the development of the Scottish Castle with it's roots in Normandy and England. Fine Drawings of many sites in both these countries with some historical data and fine drawings. A valuable resource for anyone. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-08-2000 03:31 PM Castles and Ancient Monuments of Scotland p The Daily Telegraph 2000 Damien Noonan ISBN 1 85410 677 5 A visiting guide to 200 or so Scottish historical sites,including many many castle. good one for those planning a trip over here. Information is concise, good photographs, with some historical background on each site. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-08-2000 03:36 PM Scotland's Castles p Historic Scotland 1997 Chris Tabraham ISBN 0 7134 7965 5 An excellent and detailed insight into the development of castles in Scotland, written by one of our leading archeologist/writers. Superb explanations, plans, photos, and even a little humour. Full of details of discoveries made during the authors digs. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-08-2000 03:41 PM Tales and Traditions of Scotland's Castles, this edition p Neil Wilson Publishing 2000 ISBN 1 897784 13 9 Nigel Tranter For those interested in tales of the spooky legendary, or gory, this book details some of the more interesting legend associated with 45 different sites. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-08-2000 05:21 PM The Surnames of Scotland George F. Black First published in the USA in 1946, this edition Birlinn 1999 ISBN 1 874744 83 1 The definitive work on the sources of Scottish surnames, Black has compiled an unrivaled list of common and rare Scottish surnames, and described their source. Limited family history is given with each entry by providing dates and records of the occurence of each name and it's variants. An essential reference work for geneologists and those researching estate ownerships. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon. [This message has been edited by wurdsmiff (edited 12-08-2000).]
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-08-2000 05:33 PM The Castles of Scotland Maurice Lindsay Constable 1994 ISBN 0 09 473430 5 Lindsay gives thorough descriptions and detailed histories on those castles still standing in a volume which provides outstanding value. Packed with detailed information and numerous photographs this is a popular book. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-14-2000 03:40 PM RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides- A series published by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, these 'Illustrated Architectural Guides' describe the more interesting buildings of Scotland, on a region by region basis. The descriptions often include details of previous structures on site and a history of the land ownership, and for those prepared to read through them can provide some revealing data on castles both extant and long gone. Areas covered include, Moray, Edinburgh, Dundee, Central Glasgow (a limited edition celebrating Glagow's year as Uk City of Architecture and Design in 1999), The North Clyde Estuary, The South Clyde Estuary ....and many more. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-14-2000 03:51 PM 'Discovering' series... Published by John Donald, this series provides descriptions of a variety of areas of Scotland, giving details of local topography, attractions, ancient and medieval sites, local history etc. Given the variety of different authors employed , there is only a common basic layout for the series, each author supplying his own slant to the approach and information provided in an attampt to reflect local culture and tradition. These are however excellent value and provide superbly detailed guides to a variety of localities throughout the country. Price is normally under Ł10, and areas covered include, Ayrshire, The River Clyde, Galloway, The River Forth, Argyll Mull and Iona, Aberdeenshire, Angus and the Mearns, Arran, The Borders (two volumes), the Black Isle, Fife.......... ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-14-2000 03:57 PM Wee Guide series 'The Pocket Scottish History Series' Goblinshead If you are travelling Scotland then whatever your subject a Wee Guide will map the sites and detail visiting arrangements to sites of interest, each with a wealth of background and history. There are now about 20 titles, each Ł3.95, including Prehistoric Scotland, Castles and Mansions, Haunted Castles, The Picts, Robert The Bruce, William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Whisky, Robert Burns.... ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 12-14-2000 04:09 PM Robert Bruce and The Community of The Realm of Scotland, Prof GWS Barrow. Edinburgh University Press, 1988 3rd ed. ISBN 0 85224 604 8 The definative work on the life and times of the 'Hero King' from which all others take reference. Incredibly detailed, describing the western european politcs of the era, the campaigns, the policies, sieges, castles, land ownership, allegiances, alliances, and of course The Wars of Independance. This can be heavy going, but careful reading reveals a great deal about life in the 13th and 14th centuries. For an easier to read account of events, politics, sieges and campaigns, try Robert The Bruce, Ronald McNair Scott, Canongate books Ltd, 1988 ISBN 0 86241 172 6 ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
AJR Senior Member	posted 01-04-2001 05:36 AM I must agree that the best set of books I've come across are Tranter's "The Fortified House in Scotland". Although there are a number of typos in Mike Salter's five volumes, they are handy small books to carry around, particularly because they show pictures (b/w) of many sites, enabling one to identify many of the castles without difficulty. No mention is made of Hugh Braun's "Scotland's Castles" published in 1976 by Robert Hale Ltd. Brian Wakefield's "A-Z of Scottish Castles" is best by-passed, due to the numerous errors and the fact that the entries are not entirely in alphabetical order, although it is helpful if you are not sure exactly which area a castle is in.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 01-11-2001 05:29 PM Then why not mention Hugh Braun's book again with a brief description of it's value, and and ISBN, publisher. You could also give details of Salter's Books on Scotland, if you wish to recommend them. Personally I prefer Coventry as a gazeteer, though that's possibly because I've contributed quite heavily to the 2nd and 3rd eds and find it a more comprehensive listing. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
AJR Senior Member	posted 01-15-2001 01:15 AM Whoops, it wasn't Hugh Braun, but Hubert Fenwick - I obviously got cross-eyed when consulting my book list. Will try and do a review (never done one in my life before) anyway. (Hugh Braun of course wrote a book called "The English Castle" in 1936 - a book which would be out of place in this posting) AJR [This message has been edited by AJR (edited 01-15-2001).]
AJR Senior Member	posted 01-15-2001 02:07 AM "Scotland's Castles" ISBN 0-7091-5731-2 Written by Hubert Fenwick and published by Robert Hale Publishers, London. First published in 1976. Cost - unknown, and publishers advise that the book is now out of print, so only available in second-hand bookshops. My copy cost around Ł12. The author travels through Scotland, from the Borders, heading in a general northerly direction up the eastern side of the country, returning down the western side. He visits many of the 16th and 17th century castles, giving detailed descriptions of all the well-known sites, as well as some of the lesser known ones. An interesting book, written mainly for serious reading, rather than as an accompanying handbook for the traveller. It does not cover the more ruinous or earlier sites.
AJR Senior Member	posted 01-15-2001 02:18 AM "The Castles of South-West Scotland" ISBN 1-871-731-16-X Written by Mike Salter and published by Folly Publication. First published in November 1993. Cost approximately Ł10. A comprehensive guide to the history and architecture of over 330 castles, fortified houses and earthworks, erected between 1200 and 1700. Covers the area of Dumfries & Galloway, Ayrshire, Lanark and Renfrew. The book provides O.S. map references for each castle, and contains photographs and plans of many of the sites. The photographs are an invaluable guide for those visiting south-west Scotland, with many of the castles standing in areas of outstanding beauty.
AJR Senior Member	posted 01-15-2001 02:24 AM "The Castles of the Heartland of Scotland" ISBN 1-871-731-18-6 Written by Mike Salter and published by Folly Publications. First published in June 1994. Cost approximately Ł10. A comprehensive guide to the history and architecture of over 270 castles, fortified houses and earthworks, erected between 1100 and 1700. Covers the area of Clackmannan, Dunbarton, Fife, Kinross, Perth and Stirling. The book provides O.S. map references for each castle, and contains photographs and plans of many of the sites. The photographs provide an invaluable guide to those wishing to visit the area. [This message has been edited by AJR (edited 01-15-2001).]
AJR Senior Member	posted 01-15-2001 02:31 AM "The Castles of Lothian & the Borders" ISBN 1-871-731-20-8 Written by Mike Salter and published by Folly Publications. First published in November 1994. Cost approximately Ł10. A comprehensive guide to the history and architecture of over 400 castles and fortified houses, erected between 1100 and 1650. The book provides O.S. map references for each castle, and contains photographs and plans of many of the sites. For those wishing to visit the area, the photographs are invaluable, providing easy recognition of the buildings described, in a land which contains endless architectural gems.
AJR Senior Member	posted 01-15-2001 02:39 AM "The Castles of Grampian & Angus" ISBN 1-871-731-21-6 Written by Mike Salter and published by Folly Publications. First published in March 1995. Cost approximately Ł10. A comprehensive guide to the history and architecture of over 360 castles and fortified houses in the north-eastern corner of the country. The majority of the surviving buildings are of the distinctive style adopted by Scottish lairds after the Reformation. The book provides O.S. map references for each castle, and contains photographs and plans for many of the sites. A useful book for those travelling around the countryside of the Grampians, with the photographic record proving useful in identifying numerous sites. [This message has been edited by AJR (edited 01-15-2001).]
AJR Senior Member	posted 01-15-2001 02:46 AM "The Castles of Western & Northern Scotland" ISBN 1-871-731-22-4 Written by Mike Salter and published by Folly Publications. First published in June 1995. Cost approximately Ł10. A comprehensive guide to the history and architecture of over 240 castles, fortified houses and earthworks erected between 1100 and 1700. Covers the area of Argyl & Bute, Orkney, Shetlands and the Highlands. The book provides O.S. map references for each castle, and contains photographs and plans of many of the sites. This is a valuable guide to the history of the area, an area full of coastal and loch-side castles.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 01-21-2001 03:39 PM Stone of Destiny, Pat Gerber,Canongate, Ł6.99 ISBN 0 86241 670 1 A thouroughly researched study of the facts and legend surrounding this symbol of Scotiish nationhood. Real or copy? If it's a fake where's the real Lia Fail and is it a 14th c fake, or 20th? ......................... A wonderfully thought provoking little book, which offers no absolute answers, but certainly captures the imagination with some intelligent discussion.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 01-21-2001 03:53 PM Illustrated maps Of Scotland (from Bleau's Atlas Novus of the 17th Century) Jeffrey Stone, Studio Editions, ISBN 1 85170 813 8 An analysis of the famous early maps of Scotland which provide invaluable data for all researchers into sitings/development of towns,properties, castles, fortified houses....... Stone provides deatails of how the maps were drawn, then ammended, and later published in Holland, whilst providing a colour copy of each (though you'll need a good magnifying glass to study them). ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 01-27-2001 04:34 AM John Barbour,'The Bruce', 1375, this edition a republication of George Eyre Todd's 1907 translation from the Scots vernacular, Mercat Press 1996, ISBN 1873644 582. Barbours hero worshiping poem of the fourteenth century details the rise of 'The Hero King' in glowing and exagerrated terms, though cannot be seen as an accurate historical reference. As example the name William Wallace does not even appear, however as a work of early prose it stands as one of the great achievements of early Scottish writing. It is also fascinating as an early piece of propaganda, as the descendants of Bruce established their rights to the throne and accepted all credit for the victory of the Wars of Independance. www.jamesthin.co.uk [This message has been edited by wurdsmiff (edited 01-27-2001).]
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 01-27-2001 04:47 AM 'Blind Harry's Wallace', first published c1508, translated as a new edition ny William Hamilton of Gilbertfield in 1722, this edition of Hamilton's Translation by the Luath Press 1998, ISBN 0-946487-33-2 The story of Wallace survives only as legend and a few references to his activities as 'outlaw' in English records. However Blind Harry resurrected the story at the Scottish court in the 15thc, publishing in 1508. As with Barbour, Harry hero worshiped his subject, and redressed the balance of the tale of The Wars of Independance. Again as a work of historical importance it's value is doubtful due to the obvious frequent exagerrations and restructuring of apparent events. However as a work of prose, this is an epic, so good a tale in fact that Randall Wallace constructed the screen play for the film 'Braveheart' upon it. Despite it's obvious errors,and dubious factual accuracy it remains the principal source of what is known about the life of Wallace in documented form. www.luath.co.uk ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon. [This message has been edited by wurdsmiff (edited 01-27-2001).]
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 01-27-2001 04:57 AM Scotland, A New History- Michael Lynch, Pimlico 1992 with various reprints, ISBN 0-7126-9893 A hefty paperback history of Scotland, lucid, serious and detailed, this is a superb and economical one volume work which encompasses as much as many a multi volume history. From Columba to modern Scotland, the research is scrupulous, and adequately illustrated. ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
A Knight Senior Member	posted 01-27-2001 11:17 AM No mention of The Mediaeval Castle in Scotland - W Mackay Mackenzie - Methuen & Co. Ltd - 1st Published 1927 or the many Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments Surveys. I'll have to check what else I have. ------------------ Andy Knight
wurdsmiff unregistered	posted 01-27-2001 02:28 PM Feel free to add to the list Andy, the whole point of the Book Neuk as it has operated over the last few months is that as we each find something worthwhile which we would wish to recommend, we can build a large bibliography which folks can refer to. References are frequently sought, and a quick link to one of these pages can save lenghty re-typing. All entries are welcome, though ISBNs and availability info is useful as well as a quick critique. Personally I don't like posting negative comments on other folks work, so I just post books I've particularly enjoyed or found of value. It would be an all-consuming task to list all books, so I don't try to. I simply post books as they bring themselves to my attention again. Barbour and Blind Harry fell off the top shelf this morning, causing the cat to create quite a mess! ------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
A Knight Senior Member	posted 01-28-2001 07:31 AM A book Scottish Castles that I have found particularly interesting: "Ancient Castles of Scotland" - Jeannie C Stewart, Pentland Press Ltd, First Published 1990. ISBN 0 946270 92 9. Not so much a castle book as a book about castle books - a summary of the work of Dr W Douglas Simpson.