Author: Margaret Bennett
ISBN: 184158293X
/ 9781841582931
Why did I choose this book? I have an avid interest in the history, and folklore of the Highlands, even before moving here last year. I am curious about the superstitions, and such like surrounding life events of the Scottish people.
What did I like? Oh, everything, but particularly the inclusion of some Gaelic and Scots in the words used by folk.
This book is mostly a compilation of interviews with Scottish folk recalling the procedures for, and celebrations of significant events in the human life cycle: birth, baptism, marriage, divorce, and death. The author has arranged this methodically - if not strictly by region - and transcribed them in the speaker's own words, with accompanying translations if needed.
I have to say there is a broad range of lore, custom and attitude
covered in this book. What I found fascinating was how the customs changed over the years,
sometimes within less than a decade, and how the culture of incomers might have effected such changes.
It is a good introduction for the lay person,
such as myself, despite being a scholarly work. I read elsewhere
someone said this is not a book you read cover to cover, but delve into
from time to time. I disagree. I read it from cover to cover,
savouring every record contained within.
What makes this book a real gem is the extensive endnotes providing the source of each interview, and further explanation of various snippets within them. There is also a long bibliography, and "further reading" list for those who wish to learn more. For these two things alone, I am grateful to Margaret Bennett.
Although I have a paperback copy, it was left in storage during my move [Sadly, along with most of my library for the time being.] So, I read this on my Kindle and was able to make extensive notes for future reference, as I am sure to return to this book regularly.
I was happy to find no typographical errors in the Kindle edition, which sometimes seems to happen these days.
What didn't I like? Is it really a complaint that there were too many books in the further reading section that I now want to read?
Would I recommend it? Yes. I would highly recommend it.
Rating: 5/5.
