Liquid Faith

by Ian Bradley

Since time immemorial, water has been a major theme in myth, religion and folklore throughout the world.

With its 12,000-mile coastline, as well as a plethora of rivers and lochs, Scotland is a particularly rewarding place in which to explore the spiritual dimensions of what is both the most commonplace and yet the most mysterious of all chemical compounds.

This is a journey from healing wells, springs, river sources and bogs to the seashore, islands and whirlpools, to discover the legends, superstitions and rituals that have grown up around them. Drawing on spirituality, philosophy and faith as well as history and tradition, Ian Bradley highlights the crucial importance of water over thousands of years, and emphasises its preciousness and vulnerability today and in the future.

Reviews of Liquid Faith

'Spry, witty, intriguing and informative… Bradley is a genial and intelligent companion' – Stuart Kelly, The Scotsman

'From healing wells to whirlpools and seashores, Bradley's captivating volume explores the role of water in Scottish legends, rituals, spirituality and faith in spellbinding, evocative prose and rich detail' – Waterstones, Scottish Book of the Month

'Using Scottish examples as illustrations and starting points, Ian Bradley explores how religion and spirituality have been expressed through water in his book Liquid Faith' – Scotsman Magazine