Margaret Bennett (1) (1946–)

Why did I choose this book? I have an avid interest in the history, and folklore of the Highlands, even before moving here last year. I am curious about the superstitions and such like surrounding life events of the Scottish people.

What did I like? Oh, everything, but particularly the inclusion of some Gaelic and Scots in the words used by folk.

This book is mostly a compilation of interviews with Scottish folk recalling the procedures for, and celebrations of significant events in the human life cycle: birth, baptism, marriage, divorce, and death. The author has arranged this methodically - if not strictly by region - and transcribed them in the speaker's own words, with accompanying translations if needed.

I have to say there is a broad range of lore, custom and attitude covered in this book. What I found fascinating was how the customs changed over the years, sometimes within less than a decade, and how the culture of incomers might have effected such changes.

It is a good introduction for the lay person, such as myself, despite being a scholarly work. I read elsewhere someone said this is not a book you read cover to cover, but delve into from time to time. I disagree. I read it from cover to cover, savouring every record contained within.

What makes this book a real gem is the extensive endnotes providing the source of each interview, and further explanation of various snippets within them. There is also a long bibliography, and a further reading list for those who wish to learn more. For these two things alone, I am grateful to Margaret Bennett.

Although I have a paperback copy, it was left in storage during my move, so I read this on my Kindle and was able to make extensive notes for future reference, as I am sure to return to this book regularly.

I was happy to find no typographical errors in the Kindle edition, which sometimes seems to happen these days.

What didn't I like? Is it really a complaint that there were too many books in the further reading section that I now want to read?

Would I recommend it? Yes. I highly recommend it.… (altro)

There are many books and official records of the Second World War, mostly written from the point of view of military historians. But what of the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and sweethearts of those who joined the armed forces? This little book tells what it was like in Glasgow for some of the women and children whose lives and families were equally caught up in this terrible war. Till now, their voices have scarcely been heard, so their story is told here in the words of some of the women who were there.… (altro)