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Highlanders: A History of the Scottish Clans
Fitzroy MacLean Manufacturer: Studio ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 067086644X |
Book Description
On July 23, 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie landed on the Isle of Eriskay with seven men and proceeded to capture Scotland. Over the following months, he almost succeeded in wrestling the British crown from Hanoverian cousins. Clansmen and family members fought each other in the last battles to take place on British soil. These battles culminated in the tragedy of Culloden.Fitzroy Maclean recounts the extraordinary and romantic history of the Highland clans from their earliest Celtic origins to Robert the Bruce; from the wars of independence, including Bannockburn and Flodden, to the Jacobite Risings of the eighteenth century and the nineteenth-century Clearances; from Mary, Queen of Scots to the modern day. Highlanders sheds light on the motivation and character of the clans and brings to vivid life their highly dramatic stories. Never before has there been such a wide and well-balanced view of Highland history.
Customer Reviews:
Good as an introduction, fair as history.......2006-01-07
Disappointing, hard to read........2005-10-09
My Favorite Book of Scotland.......2004-06-25
A lovely gift for those interested in Scotland.......2003-03-02
After the Epilogue, it has a quickie Clan and Tartan section, so the book is everything for the person wishes to learn a little more than 'Braveheart' about Scotland. Likely one of the best in this range of lots of photos and a good start on its history.
A lovely gift for those interested in Scotland.......2003-03-02
After the Epilogue, it has a quickie Clan and Tartan section, so the book is everything for the person wishes to learn a little more than 'Braveheart' about Scotland. Likely one of the best in this range of lots of photos and a good start on its history.
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Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia
George Way Manufacturer: Harpercollins ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0004705475 |
Customer Reviews:
Debunking the myths.......2004-10-21
Skewed point of view.......2004-01-02
This book purports to describe the history, all too briefly, of Gaelic-speaking clans. There are errors in the spelling of almost every Gaelic word in the book. One wonders why the writers couldn't have found their way to the Department of Celtic in one of the Scottish universities.
In my opinion the word 'clan' should be used to describe Gaelic-speaking families as it is a loan word from Gaelic 'clann' meaning 'children' or descendants'. Lowland kin groups (non Gaelic-speaking) should be called 'families'.
Another "potted clan history", an inadequate attempt to describe the histories of many families in too little space with too much of an emphasis on a foreign element - heraldry. People wanting to learn something about the Scottish Highlands would be better off buying a history of the highlands such as Grant and Cheape's "Periods in Scottish History" and individual volumes on particular clans.
A good resource, but not great!.......2003-12-26
Do not purchase this book thinking it is the authoritative work on Scottish clans and families - it is not. Perhaps some corrections will be made in future editions?
Regardless, it is worth the price of admission but barely!
Excellent reference work.......2002-10-28
Now to the inside...two pages are dedicated to most Clans, showing excellent colour pictures of the tartan. It also lists the Clan's arms, crest, motto. It give a better than average history of each Clan, which takes up the first 2/3s of the book. The later part takes up the Armigerous Clans, many of these are often left out of works in most Clan and Tartan reference works, so this is definitely a plus. In Appendix 1 they give you a good Chronology of dates of importance in Scottish History. For a timeline, it's better than most I have been in works similar to this. Appendix 2 gives Scottish Monarchs for Kenneth I to the Union of Parliaments in 1707. Appendix 3 is a very nice glossary of Heraldic Terms - was very impressed with this section. Appendix 4 for gives septs and names associated with various Clans. I have seen this in other works, and again, this one is much better. Appendix 5 will be of special interests to people tracing their family treat as his gives you information concerning tracing genealogy in Scotland. There is an Index, with excellent fonts, so easy to read.
All in all worthy, quick reference for the Clans of Scotland.
A Good Companion to other Scottish Clan Books.......2002-02-21
Additionally this book wants in explaining exactly what The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs is - it is a private association of certain chiefs, and omits from its membership some "officially' recognized chiefs of Scottish clans. The book may give the uniformed reader the impression that the `Council' somehow helps The Court of the Lord Lyon make determinations on who is or is not the Chief of a Clan or Head of a Family. There is a blurring of the facts here. The Court of the Lord Lyon is the only authority in Scotland who may ratify and confirm Chiefs. The Lord Lyon signature on papers known as Letter Patent and on the Matriculation document, amounts to the Queen's signature ratifying the Chief of a Clan or Family. Only Lyon's signature and Seal of Office on such official state documents makes a Chief a Chief. That there is an omission of certain Chiefs and their clans from the work is obvious.
The index of names and clan associations is also lacking. There are many Scottish surnames which have clan or family associations which are not to found within the pages of this work. Likewise there are Scottish surnames which have no clan associations at all, and some names which have no tartans associated with them whatever.
Much of the History and Heraldry contained in the book is well done, there is no denying this. The Heraldry in particular is one of the better features, and there is likely no other book on the market which shows the richness and brilliance of Scots Heraldry. The banners, standards and clan crests badges of the Members of the Standing Council are well done, but for the Armigerous clans and families at the rear of the book, their herldry, history and accuracy is very lacking indeed. In fact, some families or clans are not mentioned at all.
While this book is certainly NOT a Clan Bible, it makes a good companion for other such books. It is still a good source of reference, and a must have for anyone interested in Scotland's colorful past as well as learning about the presence of the clans as they exist today.
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The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands 1934
Frank Adam Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 1417980761 |
Customer Reviews:
Dated but still a classic.......2006-09-05
This is *not* a recent edition.......2005-01-04
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Scottish Clan and Family Names: Their Arms, Origins and Tartans
Roddy Martine Manufacturer: Mainstream Publishing Company, Ltd. ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1851584188 |
Customer Reviews:
Nice one!.......2000-03-05
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Scottish Clans and Tartans: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Over 140 Clans-Their History, Tartans, and Much More
Neil Grant Manufacturer: The Lyons Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 1585740942 |
Book Description
Here is a beautiful, full-color guide and complete reference for anyone interested in the history of Scotland. The origin of Scottish clans and their distinctive dress is wrapped in controversy. Yet their story can be traced back to the middle of the fifth century-and to Ireland, where the Scots then lived. This authoritative, elegantly composed guide covers over 140 clans. Organized alphabetically, the entries include information on each clan's location and history, nomenclature, and renowned clansmen--as well as the clan's current status and development.The Scots' ancient sense of kinship is colorfully expressed through their distinctive tartans-beautifully conveyed with full-color illustrations throughout the book, and complemented by detailed information on the color, pattern, and set of each clan. Furthermore, Scottish Clans and Tartans offers the reader breathtaking photographs of the Scottish landscape, fascinating illustrations and photos of important monuments and events, and black-and-white portraits of historically significant clansmen.
The story of Scotland's clans and tartans is one of irresistible appeal, interwoven with a history of drama, intrigue, bravery, violence, and romance.
Customer Reviews:
Gorgeous photos..........2003-01-26
The above I wrote before I purchased the book. Now that I own it, it's even better. Even the very beginning of the book with its snippet of Scottish history is wonderful and whets the reader's appetite to learn more about Scotland.
Nothing very new with this book.......2002-05-08
Caution needed for contact information.......2000-07-13
Caution needed for contact information.......2000-07-13
An informative, comprehensive, nicely illustrated survey........2000-06-04
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The Clans of the Scottish Highlands
James Logan Manufacturer: Hamlyn ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 090748638X |
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Periods in Highland History
Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0760717214 |
Product Description
Concise in style and informed by vast erudition, "Periods in Highland History" contains a small library's worth of information on all aspects of Highland Scottish history from the earliest times to the present. It offers a wealth of detail on topics ranging from clan warfare to the origins of the highlanders' distinctive dress to the agricultural methods they used to support themselves in their beautiful but largely barren land. Until recent times, change in the Highlands came slowly, making distinct phases in history hard to identify. Here the authors divide Highland history into seven periods marked by processes such as the development of strong clan identities, the flowering of Gaelic verse, and the recovery of highland morale after the heroic defeat at Culloden. They have thus made their subject more accessible than ever before to the layman. While their approach is always scholarly and sophisticated, the authors do full justice to the dash and excitement that characterize much of the Highland past. They describe lightly armed warriors rushing downhill on their enemies -- first to the songs of bards accompanying themselves on harps, and later to the invigorating music of the pipes. They tell of outlaws who exacted tribute from villages and engaged in daring cattle raids on the Lowlands. Numerous illustrations, many showing Highland arts, crafts and weapons, make this definitive work a delight to the eye as well as to the mind.
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The Well of the Heads: And Other Tales of the Scottish Clans
Stuart McHardy Manufacturer: Interlink Publishing Group ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 1841583855 |
Book Description
In the Highlands of Scotland till modern times lived a warrior-society that was in many ways like those that flourished in the Iron Age over two thousand years ago. Focused on the central role of the warrior, the Scottish clan system, built round the ties of blood, continued to exist alongside the modern rapidly industrializing society of eighteenth- century Britain.The clans were united by claims of common descent from a distant ancestor and these could be Picts, Scots, or even Norsemen, the peoples who roamed first millennium Scotland. The warriors of the clan, fiercely loyal to each other and to the chief, the center of all clan life, were known for their remarkable courage and endurance, selfless loyalty and highly developed military skills. Not for nothing were they considered the best fighting men in the world. These skills in time formed the backbone of the British Armies that conquered the world, the Highland regiments.
The tales collected here illustrate the drama and the dynamism of a society that lived close to nature, had little in the way of material wealth but was possessed of an intellectual treasure house of story and song. That tradition gives us instances of outstanding bravery and cold-hearted deceit, loyalty to the death and the eeriness of the magic and the supernatural.
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Tartan for Me: Suggestions Tartans for Scottish Scotch-Irish, Irish and North American Surnames With Lists of Clan, Family and Districts Tartans
Philip D. Smith Manufacturer: Heritage Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Spiral-bound Similar Items:
ASIN: 0788410113 |
Customer Reviews:
I never got it.......2005-09-01
Delightful Resource to MY Clan, District, and Family Surames.......2002-08-27
I found my Dad's family name was from the Paisley District, plus my husband's English name showed up with an O'. Fun to learn that the "Mac, Mc, and M'" all meant the same; "son of"!! Plus, the North American pronouncement of these prefixes is "Mik". Haven't yet learned where the "O'" represents.
A quick glance through the book tells the reader instantly that this research has been a loving and diligent work-in-progress. The price is so reasonable that I'm giving thought to tucking a copy in a few Christmas stockings this year!
Next to my photo album hobby, this search for family tartan plaids, etc. etc. is my newest and exciting adventure. (A lady in our town has years of weaving experience, and we've used THIS BOOK to get us started on her weaving project of my family's plaid!) What a hoot!
best book for guest use ar scottish games and gatherings.......1998-05-14
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CLAN MAP OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
A. K. JOHNSTON Manufacturer: Unknown ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000SBW0RM |
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Fire This Time: The Watts Uprising and the 1960s (Carter G Woodson Institute Series in Black Studies)
Gerald Horne Manufacturer: University Press of Virginia ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 0813916267 |
Customer Reviews:
Almost like being there....sort of.......2007-09-25
F.I........2005-09-21
angry and deeply unintelligent.......2004-04-20
An Exceptionally Brilliant Work of Intellect and and Heart.......2003-03-22
A story omitted.......2001-03-12
Although Horne devoted some of his introduction to a brief survey of Los Angeles social history, he never made a convincing argument that the absence of a left based movement brought on by the Red Scare lead to black nationalism. This accusation coupled with the work's emphasis on class struggle gave the book a Marxist slant typical of many of the author's previous works. Instead, a more convincing argument might have been that racist attitudes and behaviors on the part of a white majority in the Los Angeles area resulted in South Central's devastated economic condition thereby leading to black nationalism. In the economic squalor of Watts, African Americans had no other recourse than to turn to themselves when society abandoned them. In essence, racism served as a catalyst for the emergence of the black nationalism that the author writes.
Horne chronicled the denigration of African Americans in Los Angeles by demonstrating the numerous ways in which government failed to treat them as equal. In chapter seven the author portrayed the Los Angeles Police Department as the "principal malefactor, the single offender in angering blacks to the point of insurrection. . . . [It operated] at the behest of the political and economic elites who administered the city." (134) Later, in chapter ten, the voting populous of the State of California betrayed blacks by passing the racially biased Proposition 14. This legislation repealed the Rumford Fair Housing Act in an effort to keep blacks out of white neighborhoods.(224) The remainder of this chapter describes the appalling housing, education, and religious opportunities afforded to blacks in Los Angeles thereby steering them toward black nationalism.
Horne superbly illustrated the importance of black nationalism's role in the 1965 uprising. He explained that due to years of repression and disenfranchisement African Americans had come to be stereotyped as the subordinated, dominated, or "female" race even behind Mexican and Asian Americans.(12) Black nationalism offered African Americans an identity the void of such stereotypes. In addition, black nationalism made no apology for being black and anti-white sentiments in Watts intensified. Organizations that celebrated black nationalism such as the Nation of Islam, gangs, and the Black Panther party grew in popularity along with a new cultural identity. Black organizations established in white society like the NAACP, with their lighter-skinned, middle-class leadership lost appeal.(13) The nonviolent message of Dr. Martin Luther King seemed diminished compared to the rising popularity of Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam.(102) Clearly, by 1965 black nationalism championed the view that African Americans were no longer the submissive race dominated by white society. Blacks tired of the long, slow civil right movement demanded taking back economically depressed neighborhoods for themselves.
The author's thorough academic research of the black nationalistic movement in Los Angeles brought a human characteristic to the story of Watts. The stories, in many cases tragedies, spoke of people affected by the riot and demonstrated an uprising directed against the LAPD and the "well-to-do."(340) A careful analysis of the events that followed the Watts Uprising showed a significant "white backlash" to the violence that propelled Ronald Reagan into the governor's mansion and eventually the White House.(281) Finally, Horne revealed that little changed since the 1965 revolt and the Rodney King Beating Trial of 1992 sparked similar civil unrest.(358)
The author extensively drew on the papers from Governor's Commission on the Los Angeles Riots and transcripts from the McCone panel both governmental studies into the uprising. Horne used records from various city and county agencies along with studies and oral histories from Southern California universities. The most valuable primary sources came from The Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research which is located in what was once the curfew zone and is a depository of numerous historical facts on the Watts community. At this library, Horne collected oral histories from residents in conjunction with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the riot invaluable to his study.(423) Before the extensive notes the book is 364 pages and includes a map of Los Angeles and photographs from the period.
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