Books
A look at the Great War – from those who lived it
Portobello and the Great War is a charming book packed with letters, photographs and first-hand diary accounts of the residents of Portobello during the First World War. The area is most famous for being the capital’s seaside resort and this new perspective on the town is sure to be of interest to anyone who enjoyed…
Read MoreRomance, politics intrigue and crime in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Yuletide 1743, and Redcoat officer Robert Catto would rather be anywhere else on earth than Scotland. Seconded back from the wars in Europe to captain the city’s Town Guard, he fears his covert mission to assess the strength of the Jacobite threat will force him to confront the past he tries so hard to…
Read MoreWhen vampires came to the Scottish Highlands
I have always been a fan of the vampire genre, but this is a first for me: a tale of blood sucking horror set in the Highlands of Scotland. Despite the odd juxtaposition of genres, this is an enjoyable tale that I found difficult to put down. The lead character, Mark Campbell is well developed…
Read MoreWhisky fan sums up his year in a new book
Whisky enthusiast Ash Parmar has summed up his year of drams in a new book. The whisky connoisseur, founder, CEO of Eight PM, and entrepreneur from Waikato, New Zealand, has been working in liquor retail for the last 15 years. And now he’s compiled his most memorable moments in My Whisky Journey 2019. Ash said:…
Read MoreCapital letters for Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith reveals how crucial a role Edinburgh has played in his life as an author. I had an unusual childhood. I grew up in Zimbabwe, which was wonderful. It gave me an abiding interest in Africa; I certainly couldn’t have written the Botswana books without that influence. I value my memories of the…
Read MoreFinding great Scottish wildlife experiences
A family-friendly book, 100 Great Wildlife Experiences delivers exactly what it promises. Counting down 100 of the UK’s majestic fauna and flora, he takes his readers on a nationwide wildlife tour, recommending the best places to spot lapwings, willow warblers, pine martens and more in Scotland. While the simple ‘countdown’ structure does not allow for…
Read MoreThe full story of the Jacobite Rebellions
Jonathan Oates delivers an extensive account of the Jacobite Rebellions, from their origins in 1688 to their decisive finale in Culloden in 1746. He analyses intricate details such as the tactics used by the opposing sides, citing eyewitness accounts and archaeological records to support his findings. For those wishing to fill in the gaps in…
Read MoreGermans v Jacobites – a new take on Culloden
This is a new perspective on Culloden detailing The Hessians role in the battle. This book focuses on the interesting characters leading both sides, providing information on the men themselves as well as events on the run up to the battle and its aftermath. A refreshingly new take on a well-documented subject. Best of Enemies:…
Read MoreA guide to the Great Tapestry of Scotland
This attractive book celebrates the creation of The Great Tapestry of Scotland, an outstanding piece of art bringing together over a thousand stitchers from across the country. The tapestry itself is the longest in the world, consisting of 165 panels, each illustrating a momentous event in the history of the nation. The beauty of this…
Read MoreThe 15th Aye Write Book Festival to open in Glasgow
Some of the world’s most influential authors are heading to Glasgow. The 15th Aye Write book festival opens at the Mitchell Library tomorrow (Thursday, March 12) and for more than a fortnight, the city centre will be abuzz with book-related readings, talks and discussions. Top Scottish novelists such as Val McDermid and Christopher Brookmyre, plus…
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