Favorite Scottish Book/Novel/Series?

[celt72]

I have read a lot of those mentioned but I think my favorite Scottish book is also Canadian. No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod, it won the Dublin Literary award at the time it was published and while set in Canada has many Scottish themes and is really about the collapse of highland culture, the clearances and the consequences for the diaspora.

I read it years ago but I find themes and scenes from it often come back to mind. Powerful stuff.

I also love this book. It is an extremely powerful and moving story.

[Tobus]

I've read all the Outlander books. Twice. It's a ripping good yarn, but I daresay she's a tad "off" on some of her history.

As of right now, my favourite series of books (which are not really an interconnected series, but rather represent the chronological list of works by the author) is the Waverley novels by Sir Walter Scott. As well as the Tales of my Landlord books. Heck, everything he wrote is fabulous. And yes, he takes some liberty with history, though he does himself credit by explaining himself in doing so.

I've really fallen in love with his style of storytelling, and especially with the eloquent and quaint language in which he wrote. Even when he steps away from distinctly Scottish themes (such as Ivanhoe), his books are too good for me to put down.

[GoodGirlGonePlaid]

I have seen threads on Movies and T.V. Shows. I have not come across a thread about books, novels, or series.

So, What is your Favorite Scottish Book/Novel/Series?
Mine is "The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. Diana is a remarkable author. She researches her ideas to historical accuracy (for the most part). The series is listed as;

Outlander (published in the UK under the title CROSS STITCH)
Dragonfly In Amber
Voyager
Drums of Autumn
The Fiery Cross
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
An Echo In The Bone

then there is the Lord John Grey series listed as;
LORD JOHN AND THE PRIVATE MATTER
LORD JOHN AND THE HAND OF DEVILS
LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE
THE SCOTTISH PRISONER
Enjoy

Ah Jamie is my #1 literary crush.
*I may own a "Sassenach" t-shirt.

[Burly Brute]

I have seen threads on Movies and T.V. Shows. I have not come across a thread about books, novels, or series.

So, What is your Favorite Scottish Book/Novel/Series?
Mine is "The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. Diana is a remarkable author. She researches her ideas to historical accuracy (for the most part). The series is listed as;

Outlander (published in the UK under the title CROSS STITCH)
Dragonfly In Amber
Voyager
Drums of Autumn
The Fiery Cross
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
An Echo In The Bone

then there is the Lord John Grey series listed as;
LORD JOHN AND THE PRIVATE MATTER
LORD JOHN AND THE HAND OF DEVILS
LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE
THE SCOTTISH PRISONER
Enjoy

Ach! It must have been predestined for it seems Ms. Gabaldon will be in Arizona March 18th at the Ren. Fest!!!!! You should come down friend!

Sunday, March 18th
Visit: Ann Chamberlin’s Book Shop: Booth 171, to meet Guest Author Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander Series.


http://royalfaires.com/arizona/index...=106&Itemid=56

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I can truthfully say that I have only read every book in only two Scottish series; the first series being the five books in "The Adapt" series by Katherine Kurtz; the other series also comprises five volumes, "The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland" by McGibbon & Ross, first published in the late 19th century. I just don't have the stamina to wade through the Waverley novels...

[mookien]

Almost anything by Sir Walter Scott or Nigel Tranter (particularly the so-called Waverley novels, or "The Bruce Trilogy").

And of course, for rigorous, brutal, realistic, and accurate Scottish history there's the inimitable "Compton MacKenzie", particularly his chilling account of the flying saucer hitting the Loch Ness monster and all the subsequent barbarity (and isle hopping) it unleashed.

Finally, for text-book history (for those of you who actually believe it), there's Neil Oliver's "A History of Scotland", the advantage of which being, if you get tired of reading, you can always watch the movie.

[Baldybrown]

Dragon's Source by Ron Brown
Not a classic, but a fun read. Available for download from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

[Chainsaw02]

My friends Charles Randolf Bruce and Carolyn Hale Bruce have written a historical novel series they calls the "Chronicles of Robert de Brus, King of Scots". There are currently three volumes:
Rebel King, Hammer of the Scots
Rebel King, The Har'ships
Rebel King, Bannok Burn
These are available from "Ahead of the Hangman Press" www.rebelking.com

The Bruces are currently working on a movie series based on these novels. If you enjoy excellent historical novels be sure and check these out.

Larry Dirr, Model for the illustration of Alexander Macdougall, Book Two, page 365 "The Har'ships"

[mookien]

Singlemalt and celt72: Thanks for the reco. Sounds like my kind of story. I like to drown my vicarious sorrows, while safely and securely nestled in a reading chair, in single malt (no pun intended).

Also, the Macleod is one of my favorite clans and tartans. In college I had a set of luggage with it on the sides.

[Singlemalt]

Singlemalt and celt72: Thanks for the reco. Sounds like my kind of story. I like to drown my vicarious sorrows, while safely and securely nestled in a reading chair, in single malt (no pun intended).

Also, the Macleod is one of my favorite clans and tartans. In college I had a set of luggage with it on the sides.

Mookien, I do hope your library has it and you can put your hands on a copy but don't expect a sweet sentimental story. It is a power tale of a modern family whose lives have been shaped by the collapse of the Highland clan system and Gaelic culture. It is also the best "brother" novel I have ever read. At the centre of the story are the MacDonald brothers whose experience, life choices and personalities have on one level made them grow very far apart. However, the bonds of family still tie them together in a deep and powerful way. My personal experience often evokes the characters in this novel. It's a pretty common family story across all cultures but MacLeod portrays it better than anyone else I have read.

It is a great book to read with a glass of malt in your hand, however it also contains warnings about the risks of too many.