The Highlands

The Highlands

by Calum I . Maclean (Author), SorleyMaclean (Foreword)

Synopsis

In a new edition of this classic book, introduced by the world-renowned Gaelic poet Sorley Maclean, the late Calum I. Maclean, a Gaelic-speaking Highlander, interprets the traditional background, culture and ways of life of his native country. Calum's formal training in folk culture and the depth of his local knowledge make this book truly outstanding - it is written by a Highlander from the inside. Many books on the Highlands have been penned by outsiders with an uncritical appreciation of the scenery and only the most superficial knowledge of the Gaelic language and culture. By contrast, Maclean brought informed attitudes and sympathetic opinions. He was concerned not so much with places, beauty spots and scenery as with the Highlanders in their own self-created environment. He writes in terms of individuals and suggests reasons why Highland culture is unique in the world - it is something that, if lost, can never be recovered or recreated.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Mainstream Publishing
Published: 02 Mar 2006

ISBN 10: 1845960149
ISBN 13: 9781845960148
Book Overview: In a new edition of this classic book, introduced by the world-renowned Gaelic poet Sorley Maclean, the late Calum I. Maclean, a Gaelic-speaking Highlander, interprets the traditional background, culture and ways of life of his native country. To the book he brought the scientific and continental training of a student of folk culture, and it is these qualities which make this book outstanding; written by a Highlander from the inside.

Media Reviews
One of the most evocative and perceptive accounts of the Highlands ever written -- James Hunter
. . . unique among general books on this subject, not only by reason of its width of knowledge, but also because it presents Highland history and the contemporary scene uncompromisingly from the point of view of a Gaelic-speaking Highlander -- Basil Megaw, first Director of the School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh
A great book -- Sean O Suilleabhain, Irish Folklore Commission
An entertaining look at what lies behind the Highlands * Belfast News *
Bha tuigse agus gradh agus smior na Gaidhlig aig Calum Iain MacGhillEathain, agus 'se seo leabhar cho math 's cho inntinnach 's a chaidh riamh a sgriobhadh mu'n Ghaidhealtachd -- Ruaraidh MacThomais
Author Bio
Calum I. Maclean was born on the island of Raasay, Inverness-shire, on 6 September 1915. He was a graduate of Edinburgh University, where he took the degree of MA with First Class Honours in Celtic. In 1946, Maclean started the systematic collection of material in the Hebrides on behalf of the Irish Folklore Commission. In 1951, he joined the staff of the then newly established School of Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh. His death in 1960 cut short a life and career of immense value to Highland folklore. This new edition of his book is in the nature of an acknowledgement of his worth and the legacy he left for future generations of Highlanders.