Scottish Books News

Our Books From Scotland Newsletter is e-mailed quarterly to subscribers.

June 2005

MCCRAE'S BATTALION rises back to the top spot. It has remained in our top 3 since it was first published in October 2003. McCrae's Own was the 'Heart of Midlothian Battalion' mentioned all too briefly in Martin Middlebrook's classic book The First Day on the Somme. Raised in Edinburgh shortly after the start of the Great War, it was perhaps the finest unit in Lord Kitchener's volunteer army - a brotherhood of sportsmen, bound together by their extraordinary colonel and their loyalty to a quaintly named Association Football club, the famous Gorgie 'Hearts'. In this stirring book Jack Alexander draws upon interviews with veterans and a unique archive of letters, diaries and photographs, assembled from the families of more than 1,000 of Sir George McCrae's men. As usual the book at No. 1 is available with £1 off and free p&p for Mainstream on-line customers.

Paul Ferris and Reg Mackay have two books in the Top Ten this quarter. In THE FERRIS CONSPIRACY and DEADLY DIVISIONS the authors' reveal their unique insight into Glasgow's crime world.

Last month David Stenhouse's ON THE MAKE was released in paperback with the new title HOW THE SCOTS TOOK OVER LONDON. It has received some fantastic reviews:

'David Stenhouse's book traces the tartan takeover not just in the media but in medicine, law, literature, the Church, the City and, above all, Whitehall. It's a dizzying list... This entertaining and feisty book is enough to start a campaign demanding an English regional parliament.'- FT Magazine

'A terrific book about the powerful Scots who have taken over London.' - The Independent

'The Scots are London's oldest and most successful immigrant group. This book is required reading for anyone who wants to know how and why they made their mark.'
Daily Mail

' If you want to know how Britain works, you need to know this, whether you like it or not.' - James Naughtie, The Today Programme, BBC Radio 4

Other new releases include Graham Forbes's biography, ROCK AND ROLL MOUNTAINS which weaves its way through wild sex, drugs and rock tours to glowing sunsets on some of the most beautiful summits in the world. After leaving The Incredible String Band at the age of 27, Graham found himself more than a little bewildered back in Glasgow, jobless, penniless and clasping an empty bottle of tequila. He noticed there were hills nearby and decided to go for a walk. It began a journey that transformed him totally. It took him from poverty to building one of the most successful small companies in Scotland.

We have some exciting Books From Scotland lined up for Autumn publication. In ROSSLYN AND THE GRAIL Mark Oxbrow and Ian Robertson's unravel the mystery featured in Dan Brown's blockbuster novel, The Da Vinci Code, to reveal the true story of the chapel, the castle and the knights. In CLASSIC RECIPES FROM SCOTLAND master chef and food historian Tom Bridge explores the unsung glories of Scottish regional food traditions. We celebrate Edinburgh's accolade as UNESCO's World City of Literature with THE LITERARY TRAVELLER IN EDINBURGH. Some high-profile figures contribute to DONALD DEWAR - A Tribute. James Hunter's much anticipated groundbreaking account of Scotland's worldwide diaspora, SCOTTISH EXODUS, will be published in August. For information on Hunter's previous Scottish books please enter his surname into the search facility on our website.

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