Books about Scotland

A Wee Guide to Mary Queen of ScotsJoyce Miller 1 899874 03 8 96pp 40 h/t illus Nov 96

This title spans the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, the battles against the English, and civil war within Scotland. The text is split into two parts: the main body of the text examines the events surrounding Scotland's tragic queen, including a list of key dates. The second part lists castles and places of interest which are associated with Mary and can be visited. Opening times and telephone numbers are included where available. An index concludes the text; and there are maps and numerous illustrations.

50 sites, associated with Mary, to visit with opening times and facilities
covers the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 96 pages index of key people and events
maps locate places in the text and where to visit

Mary Queen of Scots: born 1542, died 1587. Includes a guide to
places to visit that were part of Mary's life.

A Wee Guide to Scottish History 1 899874 01 1 £3.95 96pp 55 illus maps 1996 paperback

Much more informative than a mere picture or small book, much less expensive than a heavy history book, this title covers all the important events in Scotland, spanning over 5000 years. The text is split into three parts, each part starting with chapters which concisely describe the people, battles, and deeds that shaped Scottish history, and ending with places to visit - including opening times and telephone numbers.

220 places to visit, including opening times and facilities covers 5000 years in only 100 pages
10 maps locate places in the text and where to visit comprehensive indexes

From the early settlers through the middle ages to the present year, with places to visit from
all these eras.

A Wee Guide to Old Churches and Abbeys of Scotland
Martin Coventr & Joyce Miller 1 899874097 96pp 40 h/t illus June97

This title explores the many abbeys, cathedrals and medieval churches throughout Scotland. The text is split into two parts: the first part gives a brief guide to the development of Christianity in Scotland, and then goes on to look at architectural styles and development; the second part is a gazetteer of each abbey or church. Each entry describes the location and history of the site. Opening times and telephone numbers are included for churches which can be visited. An index follows the text.

120 churches, abbeys, chapels, priories, High Crosses, and other monuments to visit with facilities and opening times a map locates places in the text and where to visit index of places and people
glossary of terms, and description of monastic orders

The historic settings of medieval churches, cathedrals, abbeys, high crosses, priories & collegiate churches. 120+ places
to visit.

A Wee Guide to the Castles and Mansions of Scotland Martin Coventry 1 899874 11 9 96pp 50 h/t illus May 1998

This tide explores the many castles and historic houses of Scotland which are open to the public. The text is split into two parts: the first part gives a brief guide to the development of the castle in Scotland, then goes on to look at classical and baronial mansions; the second part is a gazetteer of castles and mansions to visit. Each entry describes the location and history of the building. Opening times and telephone numbers are included for places which can be visited. An index concludes the text. There is a map, to locate castles and mansions, and numerous photographs.

130 castles and historic houses to visit with facilities and opening times
a map locates places in the text and where to visit index of places and people

Castles, Mansions,
Tower Houses & Palaces. 147 such buildings to visit ... maps to take you there and explanations of their historical context!

A Wee Guide to Robert Burns Dilys Jones 1 899874 07 0 96pp 30 illus June 97

This title covers the life, poems and times of Robert Burns. The text is split into three parts: the main body looks at the events surrounding Scotland's most popular poet, including a list of key dates. The second part has the full text of Tam o' Shanter, To a Haggis, Scots Wha Hae, Ae Fond Kiss, and others; and a discussion of his work. The third contains a selection of places to visit including opening times and telephone numbers. An index follows the text; and there are maps to locate places of interest as well as many illustrations.

25 places to associated with Robert Burns to visit maps locate places in the text and where to visit
covers the life and poems of Robert Burns in 96 pages

Robert Burns: born 25 January 1759; died 21 July 1796. His life and times; a few of his poems; 25 places to visit.

A Wee Guide to Robert the Bruce Duncan Jones & Alison L Rae 1 899874 02 X 96pp

This title covers in detail the life and times of Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence against the English. The text is split into two parts: the main body of the text looks at the events surrounding Scotland's hero king, including a list of key dates, description of battles, and any interesting tales. The second part lists castles, battlefields and places of interest which are associated with Bruce and can be visited. Opening times and telephone numbers are included. An index of key people and events concludes the text; and there are maps, to locate castles and other places of interest, as well as numerous illustrations

30 sites associated with Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence to visit
covers the life of Robert the Bruce in 96 pages maps locates places in the text and where to visit
index of key people and events

Robert the Bruce - Robert I, Scotland's 14th century warrior king. His life and times & 30 places to visit associated with Bruce.

A Wee Guide to the Haunted Castles of Scotland Martin Coventry 1 899874 05 4 96pp 40 h/t illus Nov 96

This title explores many ghost stories and hauntings of Scotland's castles. The text is split into two parts: the first part gives a brief guide to the development of the castle in Scotland, and then goes on to look at themes common in many of the supernatural or unexplained events; the second part is a gazetteer of each reputedly haunted site. Each entry describes the location and history of the castle, going on to cover the ghostly tales. Opening times and telephone numbers are included for castles which can be visited. An index concludes the text. There is a map, to locate castles, and numerous illustrations.

40 castles, which are said to have been haunted at some time, to visit with facilities and opening times
covers 130 castles a map locates places in the text and where to visit index of places and people

Green ladies ... haunted castles, headless spectres ....and the castles they inhabit !

A Wee Guide to William Wallace Duncan Jones 1 899874 08 9 96pp 40 h/t illus June 97

This title covers the life and times of William Wallace and the Wars of independence against the English. The text is split into two parts: the main body of the text looks at the events surrounding Scotland's greatest hero and patriot, including a list of key dates, there are maps to locate places of description of battles, and interesting tales. The second part lists castles, battlefields and places of interest which are associated with Wallace and can be visited. Opening times and telephone numbers are included. An index follows the text; and there are maps in the text and to locate places of interest, as well as numerous illustrations.

35 sites associated with William Wallace and the Wars of Independence to visit
covers the life of William Wallace in 96 pages maps locate places in the text and where to visit

The life and times of William Wallace - who lit the torch of Scottish independence in the 13th
and 14th centuries.

A Wee Guide to the Jacobites Martin Coventry 1 899874 14 3 96pp 40 h/t illus May 98

T his title covers in detail the Jacobite Risings from the 'abdication' of James VII to the disastrous battle of Culloden, where the cause was lost and many supporters ruined. The text is split into two parts: the main body of the text looks at the events surrounding the Jacobites, including a list of key dates, description of battles, and any interesting tales. The second part lists places, battlefields and museums which are associated with the Jacobites and can be visited. Opening times and telephone numbers are included. An index of key people and events concludes the text; and there are maps to locate places of interest, as well as numerous illustrations.

40 sites to visit associated with the Jacobite Risings index of key people and events
covers the Jacobites in 96 pages maps locate places in the text and where to visit

The Jacobites tried to re-establish James VII and then his son as King of England and Scotland. 50 sites to visit relating to
the bloody events of the 17th and 18th century.

A Wee Guide to the Picts Duncan Jones 1 899874 12 7 96pp 30 h/t illus May 98

This title covers in detail the enigmatic Picts, who ruled much of Scotland in the Dark Ages but whose culture, language and traditions have but all been lost. The text is split into two parts: the main body of the text looks at the events surrounding the Picts and the physical remains of their culture, including a list of key dates, description of symbol stones, and any interesting tales. The second part lists places of interest which are associated with the Picts and can be visited. Opening times and telephone numbers are included. An index concludes the text; and there are maps, to locate places of interest, as well as numerous illustrations.

30 sites to visit associated with the Picts covers the history and culture of the Picts in 96 pages
maps locates places in the text and where to visit index and descriptions of symbol stones

A description with many illustrations and maps of what little is known about the
history of the Picts who ruled much of scotland in the Dark Ages. A gazetteer of Pictish sites listing the best symbol stones and museums to visit.

Wee Guide to Prehistoric Scotland Ann MacSween 1 899874 23 2 £3.95 128 pages 50 illus maps 1999

An essential guide to Scotland's many magnificent prehistoric sites including the splendid Broch of Mousa, the standing stones of Callanish and Brodgar, the chambered tomb of Maes Howe and the prehistoric settlement of Skara Brae. As well as describing what is known about the first peoples of Scotland, this Wee Guide lists over 100 of the best burial cairns, standing stones and circles, forts, duns and brochs, settlements, and museums to visit. Complete with maps and many illustrations, this is an ideal introduction for tourists and local visitors wanting to get the most from Scotland's prehistoric sites.

Wee Guide to Macbeth and Early Scotland Charles Sinclair 1 899874 22 4 £3.95 96pp 45 illus maps 1999

Macbeth is reputedly one of the most cruel, ruthless figures of Scottish history, but the kingdom he ruled was just as fierce and warlike. This Wee Guide covers these stirring times from the coming of the Scots to Dalriada, the Picts, St Ninian and St Columba, Viking incursions, and the incessant strife, intrigue and murder in the days of Macbeth. It also includes over 50 places to visit and many maps and illustrations. An excellent introduction and guide for tourists and anyone with an interest in this period of history.

Wee Guide to Rob Roy MacGregor Charles Sinclair 1 899874 32 1 £3.95 96pp 30 illus maps 2000

Rob Roy MacGregor is one of the giants of Scottish history, both brigand and hero, bandit and romantic leader. The first part covers his life during the turbulent and difficult times of the Jacobite Risings, raiding and feuds, and poverty and misadventure. The second part lists places, battlefields and museums, with opening times and telephone numbers. Several maps locate places of interest, and there are numerous illustrations.

Wee Guide to Whisky Euan Mitchell 1 899874 15 1 £3.95 96pp 50 illus map 1999

Covers the history and development of whisky from the early days of illicit distilling, how whisky is made, and the different characters of malt whiskies from around the country. Featuring over fifty distilleries, museums and other sites which can be visited with access, location, opening times and facilities, this Wee Guide is an invaluable companion for anyone planning to acquaint themselves with Scotland's most famous export!

Wee Guide to Scottish Ghosts and Bogles Martin Coventry 1 899874 33 X £3.95 96pp 50 illus map 2000

Describes scores of hotels, castles and other places where the reader can stay or where they can visit: all of which are said to be haunted. Information includes details about the hotels and other sites, such as tariff, access, opening, facilities, history and disabled access along with information about the ghosts, where they have been experienced and the origin of the haunting.

Haunted Places of Scotland Martin Coventry 1 899874 04 6 £7.50 208pp 113 drawings and photos of sites map 1999

This popular title relates hundreds of fascinating tales of ghosts connected with many of Scotland's most famous places. The intrepid reader can visit the 170 sites open to the public.

Edinburgh Times:	... a must
Scottish Heritage (NTS magazine):	... haunting tales
Scottish Field:	... encompasses in brief the stories associated with many historical houses, mansions, castles and churches, inns and theatres, offering useful maps, photographs and visitor accessibility
Historic Scotland Magazine:	If you enjoy reading fascinating stories of ghosts ... this volume is for you

Myth and Magic: SCOTLAND'S ANCIENT BELIEFS AND SACRED PLACES
Joyce Miller 1 899874 20 8 £7.50 256pp illus map 2000

An examination of Scotland's rich heritage of traditional rituals and beliefs, covering areas such as:

sacred and healing wells, pools and stones

rituals for healing, divination, fertility and protection

talismans, such as the Lee Penny, Coulston Plum, Fairy Flag, and Inchbrackie's Ring

supernatural beings: brownies, fairies, kelpies, gruagach and glaistig
The places to visit section covers the sites of holy wells, healing stones, museums, pilgrimage sites, and places associated with brownies and fairies.

Castle Touring Guides: The Heart and West of Fife Graham S. Coe 1 899874 25 9 £4.95 96pp illus maps 1999

Providing everything needed for visiting the castles of the historic kingdom of Fife, the book offers in-depth coverage of the magnificent buildings of Falkland Palace, Aberdour Castle, Balgonie Castle, Abbot House, Dunfermline Palace, Ravenscraig Castle and Culross Palace, as well as fragmentary ruins. Each castle is described and illustrated. Access and location are given along with history and ownership. The books features maps of the tours, and comprehensive appendices with handy information.

Other titles available:

East Neuk of Fife (A4, colour illus) £4.95 Howe of Fife (A5, colour illus) £4.95

The Hebrides: A Guide to the Islands of Western Scotland Martin Coventry 1 899874 21 6 £5.95 192pp 100 illus maps 1999

This practical, detailed guide gives information on all the Hebrides from Islay to Lewis, from largest to smallest: how to get there, and history and description of each island. It covers more than 450 places of interest, from brochs, duns, forts, settlements, souterrains, tombs, cairns, standing stones and circles, to holy wells, chapels and crosses, burial grounds, castles, mansions, arts and crafts, beaches and wildlife, distilleries, folk and local museums, natural features, myths and legends, and much more. There are many maps and illustrations, and indexes by island and by site.

William Wallace: Champion of Scotland Margaret Wallace 1 899874 19 4 £6.95 256pp map 1999

Set in the 13th century against the bloody events during the Wars of Independence, this novel charts the life, loves and struggles of William Wallace. He had been destined for a career in the Church, but with the murder of his wife and father, became a great patriot and leader. After defeating the English at Stirling, Wallace was made Guardian of Scotland before the implacable hatred of Edward of England was turned both on William and the kingdom he loved. Margaret Wallace has written an atmospheric, compelling, often poignant, story about one of the most enigmatic figures of medieval Scotland.

The Princess Who Lost Her Hair Anna Coventry 1 899874 06 2 £6.95 32pp 24 four-colour illus 1998

The lively tale of the loss and gain of Princess Georgianna's hair will entertain adults and children alike and is told in a text, which has been skilfully incorporated into original hand-coloured drawings. The beautiful illustrations contain a wealth of subtle design and detail which enhance the story. The Princess Who Lost Her Hair was written and illustrated by Anna Coventry, who told the original story to her own daughter, Georgianna, who frequently wept while having her hair brushed. Born in Edinburgh, Anna Coventry taught art for many years and was herself a fine artist. She suffered from cancer for the last two years of her life. Profits from sales of The Princess Who Lost Her Hair go to cancer research and care.

The Castles of Scotland THIRD EDITION
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE AND GAZETTEER TO 2400 FORTIFIED SITES Martin Coventry
1 899874 26 7 paperback £15.95 est 384pp est 300 illus 2000
1 899874 27 5 hardback £25.00 est 400pp est 300 illus + 16 pp of colour 2000

No castle enthusiast should be without this book. It offers comprehensive details on the fortified buildings of Scotland, including histories, ownership, locations, facilities and visitor access. Completely revised, expanded and updated for the year 2000, the third edition now covers over 2400 sites, from the largest strongholds to smallest ruins to mere sites. An invaluable volume for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

New for this edition:

covers 400 sites more than the second edition
historic houses and mansions open to the public now included
improved and increased number of illustrations
updated, corrected and more-detailed entries
access details updated for the year 2000 and full list of facilities now included

Added features for the deluxe edition:

sixteen pages of full-colour illustrations
hardback

Features:

alphabetical guide and gazetteer to more than 2400 sites
comprehensive index listing castles associated with individual families and clans
ghosts and bogle index of sites which are reputed to be haunted
twenty pages of maps locating every castle in Scotland
fully illustrated: 300 drawings, photographs and other material
alternative names of sites cross-referenced in the text

Fax: +44 (0) 131 653 6566 Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 2894
email:Goblinshead
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or info relating to history / background of castles & houses etc.