2 comments about The Xenophobe's Guide to the Scots.

1. As a Scot myself I can vouch for the uncanny accuracy of this book. A sympathetic (but not unquestioning), highly entertaining, accurate, and short book which explains what makes the Scots tick and also explains some the qualities that have helped them make a contribution to so many other countries where they have settled.



2. This guide made some interesting points, such as the idea Scots like being noted for both fiery tempers and dour dispositions. I would gladly read the author's book of Scottish insults, since those were some of the best things about the book.

2 comments about Sword of King James, The.

1. He is a man from another time and another place but fairy magic brought Dylan Matheson to Ciorran in the Scottish Highlands decades before the final Jacobite defeat at Culloden. He fell in love with the laird's daughter and after much hardship and many adventures, he married her. Their union produced two children before his precious Cait was murdered by her abusive first spouse.

   Dylan has come to realize his home is with Clan Ciorran and he doesn't even want the fairy Sinann to try to return him to his own time. This is just as well because the bumbling fairy believes Dylan is the only one who can prepare the clan for the hard times ahead. Before Dylan can deal with his enemies (both English and Scottish) he must first defeat Morrighan, the Celtic goddess of war who wants to know the future and will use any means at her disposal to force Dylan into giving up that information.

   Cross Sharon Kay Penman with Mercedes Lackey and Judith Tarr and readers will understand that the novel SWORD OF KING JAMES is historical romantic fantasy at it's very best. Hearts will go out to the beleaguered hero who still mourns his true love while trying to move the clan in the direction he wants it to go. J. Adrian Lee has created something wondrous with this haunting novel.

   Harriet Klausner




2. I picked this up because on the cover it is compared to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. Indeed, there are many similarities: time travel from the 20th century to 18th century Scotland, the Jacobite Rebellion, romance, etc. One more similarity: I think it would be more enjoyable had I read the first two books in the series first. Unfortunately it did not say on the cover that it was 3rd of 3. I thought it was the first.

   That said, it was still a good read, and I have ordered the first two to make up for my not reading them first. Dylan is a hero we can relate to, with passion for his wife (sadly deceased in the book) and his two children. He has also traveled through time and chosen to stay in the 18th century (see another Gabaldon resemblance?). He attempts to make a difference in the outcome of the Rising, as he has knowledge of how things will end.

   Bottom line, I wish I had read the first two first!! I hope that reading them will make this book seem even better!

No comments about Scotland Atlas and Gazetteer (Atlas).

No comments about Scotland: The National Cycle Network (National Cycle Network Route).

2 comments about 101 Bike Routes in Scotland.

1. Pleased to see my book in your web site - It's a hard-back though not a paper-back - personally I think it's the best Scottish biking guide Harry Henniker



2. As reference material relating to biking, I have come across few better than this book. It gives a good feel for what you can expect area by area, is written by somebody with obvious passion and an understanding of the variety of people and capabilities off road biking attracts and really does cover the whole of Scotland.

   Down sides are: poor referencing to maps, especially first map of Scotland with routes (this should be tied in to page number). Some of the route descriptions are innacurate and start points are difficult to find (best advised to take a map and compass, even for the apparently obvious routes).

   The book is value for money with out doubt.

   I would like to see a book that covers biking routes with walks.

No comments about Scotland's True Heritage Pubs: Pub Interiors of Special Historic Interest (Camra).

1 comments about Edinburgh Insideout City Guide.

1. Recommended. Maps are clear and consise. One is a map of the city center, one of the region. Travel information is well presented.

5 comments about Scotland Is Not for the Squeamish.

1. Watkins has only got better. This second of a trilogy has it all.To quote " a smile that would free anyone's soul from gravity. " Read on.



2. This continues Bill Watkins's autobiography through his time at sea, and in the Scotland of the late 60's and ealy seventies.

   As well as the humour, you'll love the evocative prose, which with a surprisingly few words summons up as vivid a picture as any I've ever read.

   Especially clever is his rendition of the Scots tongue.

   His stories of the start of the Celtic music revival, of living "on the broo" in Edinburgh and the start of the "Silly Wizard" folk group will make anyone smile.




3. Bill,
   Delighted to purchase Scotland is not for the squeamish. I'm buying a celtic childhood again to give as a gift, what a riot reading this book on the plane,with the headphones on and "Laughing out loud."well, its that sort of funny book



4. Bill Watkins' second book is at least as good as the first('A Celtic Childhood'), and continues the 'History of Bill' through his young adulthood with great adventure in Scotland('Course, he has to get there first). I rated this book five out of fibe stars only because that is the limit. It's easily a 10!



5. This is a great book. I couldnt put it down! - riotously funny in places but very poignant in others. Dont let the title put you off - this is a very memorable book and you will be glad you took the time to read it!

No comments about Johnson's Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland and Boswell's Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson (Oxford Paperbacks).

No comments about Scotland of Old.