Interesting Christmas gift from sister

[unixken]

I'm on my way back to Ohio from spending the Christmas week with my sister and her family, in Florida. Being a long drive, and not wanting to be on the roads with the drunks tonight (its New Years Eve), I've taken a room for the night, in NC, and I've been looking through some of the gifts I'd received for Christmas. Among them, was one very special one, from my sister.

It seems that when my dad passed away 6 years ago, Bonnie had gone through Dad's belongings, and had come across a book he had owned. As I had not begun my exploration of my family's Scottish heritage in earnest until this year, the book remained in my sister's possession. However, this year, it seemed appropriate that she should pass it on to me. I have only the vaguest memories of this book from my childhood, but have been glancing through it in the free time I have this evening, in the hotel.

The book is called "Scottish Clans & Tartans: 150 tartans illustrated in full color", by Ian Grimble, Published by Leon Amiel Publisher, New York, © 1973. The book "contains the histories of 148 Scottish names and illustrates 150 of Scotland's best-known tartans." So far, I don't see anything that can't be learned online as far as images or history of the various clans, but I like the writing style, and I LOVE the feel of a hardcover book. The fact that my father (the son of a Scottish immigrant) owned this book, that my sister retained it since his passing, and that she thought to present it to me this week as a gift, has truly touched me.

Has anyone else owned or read a copy of this book? A quick Google search shows the book has been updated at least as recently as 2002, but it is the 1977 reprinting of the 1973 copyrighted version that I hold in my hand. If so, what did you think of it?

[madmacs]

Yep, mines the 1993 edition.

Useful in the pre-internet age.

It's a nice little book. Nice pictures, enough history and stories to keep you amused for a while.

[Alan H]

I know nothing about the book but I think it's great that your sister saved that for you. Not your everyday Christmas gift, that...

[MacGumerait]

Ken ,

I have that same book . I assume it's the original 1973 version as there are no other dates listed other than the 1973 Copyright , no mention of reprints . I actually bought it around 1975 as a teenager ( I think it was that year , been too long ago ) .



Very nice Christmas gift , congrats to you !

Best , Mike

[freddie]

This book has been in my library for many years. I bought my copy in Kelso and chose my first kilt from the picture of the MacDuff tartan. It's one of the better 'tartan' books and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Congratulations.

[TheOfficialBren]

Yup! I have the 1973 edition (red cover). It is a great read and I am pleased that your sister's gift touched you in such a meaningful way, my friend.