THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

Are immigrants taking our jobs, or are they all slobs?What does ‘I’m colourblind’ mean and why does it make no sense?And just how can you spot a Karen from a mile away?This illustrated collection of verse tackles these issues and more. This is a delightfully caustic and refreshing book that will have readers thinking deeply and laughing out loud.

Are immigrants taking our jobs, or are they all slobs?What does ‘I’m colourblind’ mean and why does it make no sense?And just how can you spot a Karen from a mile away?This illustrated collection of verse tackles these issues and more. This is a delightfully caustic and refreshing book that will have readers thinking deeply and laughing out loud.

Meet the mega human. Colossal, clueless… And the biggest hope for life on earth.There are eight billion of us humans.All breathing, eating, fidgeting and thinking deep thoughts.It’s an unimaginably large number. Or is it?Say hello to the mega human: all the people in the world smooshed into one spectacular giant. Even though it’s not the smartest of creatures, the mega human is slowly beginning to understand the problems it has created for Planet Earth’s future . . . and how it might be able to fix them.Making use of brain-bending stats and smoosh theory, The Biggest Footprint is a journey of self-discovery suitable for anyone and everyone identifying as human.

From much-loved historian Neil Oliver comes a whole new insight on our past, told through 100 remarkable, unforgettable stories.In his brilliant and excitingly ambitious new book, Neil Oliver takes us on a whistlestop tour around the world and through a million years to give us a unique and invaluable grasp of how human history pieces together.From the east to the west, north to south, these 100 moments act like stepping stones allowing us to make sense of how these pivotal events have shaped the world we know today.Including many moments readers will expect – from Genghis Khan’s domination on earth to Armstrong’s first steps on the moon, and from the advent of the printing press to the birth of the internet – there are also surprises, and with them, some remarkable, unforgettable stories that give a whole new insight on our past.*********************Praise for Neil Oliver and The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places:’Brilliantly demonstrates Neil’s mastery of the broad sweep of British history and landscape.’ – Dan Snow’Neil Oliver brings his vast experience and expertise to bear on this deeply personal journey into British history – a wonderful read. – Professor Alice Roberts’Highly-crafted…a vivid, pungent history.’ – TLS’Compelling’ – Daily Mail

Empire of the Air tells the story of three American visionaries-Lee de Forest, Edwin Howard Armstrong, and David Sarnoff-whose imagination and dreams turned a hobbyist’s toy into radio, launching the modern communications age. Tom Lewis weaves the story of these men and their achievements into a richly detailed and moving narrative that spans the first half of the twentieth century, a time when the American romance with science and technology was at its peak. Empire of the Air is a tale of pioneers on the frontier of a new technology, of American entrepreneurial spirit, and of the tragic collision between inventor and corporation.

The Ebb-Tide (1894) is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne. Published the year of Stevenson’s death from tuberculosis, the last of three collaborations between the legendary Scottish storyteller and his stepson is a story of adventure, friendship, and greed. Although less popular than other titles in Stevenson’s body of work, the novel has been recognized for its pointed critique of British and American imperialism in the South Pacific. Tossed by the waves of fate, three beggars frequent the ports of Tahiti in search of money and food for survival. When a merchant schooner devastated by smallpox docks at Papeete in need of new officers, the only men willing to take the job are Davis, Herrick, and Huish. A former sea captain, Davis takes charge of the vessel filled with crates of champagne, but soon the men find their cargo too tempting to leave untested. As the crew descends into drunkenness, Huish-the only beggar born into poverty, the only one among them who understands the value of a job-takes control of the schooner. As they near their final destination, as the men begin to worry about the missing cargo and lack of food, a plot to overthrow the officers takes form. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne’s The Ebb-Tide is a classic work of adventure fiction reimagined for modern readers.

From sandy beaches to mysterious, inky depths, this beautiful book is the story of ocean exploration, from shore to ocean floor.Seen from space, Earth is a swirl of blue and white. The blue is Earth’s oceans, which cover 70% of its surface… yet the ocean in the most unexplored region of our planet. From Shore to Ocean Floor is the story of how humans went from building the first boats, to discovering the secrets of the deep. Marvel at incredible scientific discoveries, be dazzled by some of the most exciting new species and admire the incredible men and women who took the very first steps below the surface.This spectacularly illustrated book comes from the author and illustrator duo of the award-winning Balloon to the Moon.

When Tafren, a mischievous elf, pushes Lucy and Clementine, two Dandie Dinmont Terrier dogs into a well, they expect to drown. Instead, they do something extraordinary: they travel back through time to 1839 to meet their ancestor.’I’m the Grandfather of all the Dandie Dinmont Terriers in your own time,’ said Old Pepper. ‘What he’s trying to say is this,’ said Tafren. ‘If he dies before he has children, then the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed of dog won’t exist – which means you won’t exist!”If Grandfather dies… I won’t even be a reflection?’ murmured Clementine, feeling a lump in her throat as she gazed sadly at her own reflection in the Well.Delve into Tafren’s spellbinding world, featuring tricks, transformations, amulets, aristocracy and Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest literary masters.5% from the sale of this book will be donated to Kiss Goodbye to MS.

Early in Orcadia was first published in 1987, and consists of five stories, set hundreds of years apart in time and dealing with different characters, but connected by their location in a particular corner of Orkney during the period known as the Stone Age. Mitchison links them formally by interpolating passages of fact and explanation between the fictional episodes, and by speculating in her own voice about what happened in prehistory, as far as it can be known from archaeological research, and how it fits in with the world of today. The slightly awkward jumps from one story to the next indicate that the development of the human race was not a completely smooth and seamless process. There must have been significant moments when a highly important discovery or invention took place. The structure of the book is demonstrating its theme – that there are sudden advances but just one story running from the earliest times to the present day, and it is the story of humankind. From the Introduction.

‘Grabbed me from the first page’ Ian RankinLONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 McILVANNEY PRIZE FOR SCOTTISH CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR’The best police procedural I’ve read in years’ Jane CaseyThis grave can never be opened.The head of Scotland’s most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery.This murder can never be forgotten.Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realise this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One thing’s for certain: it might be the latest killing, but it won’t be the last…This killer can never be caught.As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues – to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their lives…’The best police procedural I’ve read in years – fast-paced, compelling and deeply authentic. DS Max Craigie is a brilliant hero and I can’t wait for the next in the series’ Jane Casey’A stone cold classic of the genre; the strongest start to a series I’ve seen in years’ Tony Kent’A thriller writer set to blow up the bestseller lists’ C. L. Taylor’The most authentic voice in thriller writing’ Tony Parsons’Absolutely terrific’ Paul Finch’A page turner you won’t want to miss’ Denzil MeyrickDon’t miss the first stunning thriller in the new DS Max Craigie Scottish Crime series!

The 2022 Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar, adapted for North American (Eastern Standard Time) dates and times.The original biodynamic sowing and planting calendar celebrates its 60th anniversary with a new, easy-to-view layout featuring more detailed planting, tending and harvesting information to help growers maximise the yield and vitality of crops and plants. Trusted by generations of farmers and gardeners, the refreshed design marks a new era for the ultimate biodynamic calendar.The new-look calendar features:– A clearer, easy-to-view layout making it simpler to plan what to do and when– More space dedicated to detailed explanations of the recommended activities– New information panels make it easier to use– Clearer headings and sections for faster look-ups– More detailed planting, tending and harvesting information to maximise the yield and vitality of crops and plants– Redesigned to work for both seasoned biodynamic farmers and beginner gardeners– Solar and lunar events, plus information on planetary aspects, are given dedicated spaceA new, refreshed design of the trusted sowing and planting calendar for both seasoned growers and beginners.

Noah and Mia live far, far away from each other, but look out upon the same great sea. In the evening, Noah and his dog Gus watch the sun softly slip beneath the waves; in the morning, Mia and her cat Olive watch from the cliffs as it rises.When Gus dies, Noah is heartbroken. In his dreams he searches for his loyal friend, but instead finds only an unfamiliar black cat. Mia dreams too: of a life better than the one she has now, and of a place to call home. When Olive leads her down an unknown path, Mia begins an epic journey which takes her somewhere she never expected.Will Mia and Noah find all they’ve dreamt of?Poignant and uplifting, Martin Widmark’s story of finding hope and a home is accompanied by stunning illustrations from Emilia Dziubak, which alternate between the two characters’ interconnected journeys. Martin and Emilia are co-creators of USBBY Outstanding International Book The House of Lost and Found, and of Little Pearl.

Based on a short story by Alistair MacLean, Rendezvous conjures up the darkest days of the war in the Mediterranean, and the nail-biting drama of a secret life haunted by the fear of betrayal and capture.Early in 1942 the Special Operations Executive and American Military Intelligence must put together a carefully selected team to send on a daring mission which could ultimately change the course of the war in the Mediterranean.James McIndoe, one of the most experienced operatives in the SOE, forms an uneasy team with two members of the AMI- the beautiful Stella di Mauro and the brash Nicky Ravallo. When it becomes clear that the operation has become compromised the tension mounts, but there can be no turning back, not until the mission has been completed. But with the Germans closing in, there may be no way out…

The Golden Treasury of Scottish Verse is a timeless collection of Scottish poetry. It contains over three hundred poems ranging from the early medieval period to the twenty-first century, and paints a full-colour portrait of Scotland’s poetic heritage and culture.Edited and introduced by award-winning poets Kathleen Jamie, Don Paterson and Peter Mackay, and including poems by Robert Burns, Carol Ann Duffy, Sorley MacLean, Violet Jacob, William Dunbar, Meg Bateman, George Mackay Brown, Mairi Mhor nan Oran, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jackie Kay, Liz Lochhead and many more, The Golden Treasury of Scottish Verse is a joyous celebration of Scotland’s literary past, present and future.

The mega human: colossal, clueless… And the biggest hope for life on earthThere are eight billion of us humans.All breathing, eating, fidgeting and thinking deep thoughts.It’s an unimaginably large number. Or is it?Say hello to the mega human: all the people in the world smooshed into one spectacular giant. Even though it’s not the smartest of creatures, the mega human is slowly beginning to understand the problems it has created for Planet Earth’s future . . . and how it might be able to fix them.Making use of brain-bending stats and smoosh theory, The Biggest Footprint is a journey of self-discovery suitable for anyone and everyone identifying as human.

Meet helpful dwarfs, mischievous gnomes and powerful fairy folk in this sumptuously illustrated storybook anthology of classic European folk tales.Much-loved stories such as ‘Kate Crackernuts’, ‘Tom Tit Tot’ and ‘The Griffin’ take readers on a journey through Europe as they climb snowy mountains, delve deep underground and wonder at beautiful palaces.This unique collection celebrates the rich folklore tradition of Europe, including dwarfs from Flanders, fairies from Scotland and gnomes from Austria.With radiant pictures by Daniela Drescher, one of Germany’s best-loved illustrators, Illustrated Tales of Dwarfs, Gnomes and Fairy Folk is sure to enchant young and old readers alike.

It’s time for Grandma’s dog to go for a walk. The eager pooch tugs the boy’s hand, excited to get going. But where will they end up?This is a dog walk like no other, through amazing fairy-tale worlds, paintings come to life, Escher-esque castles, an intricately cluttered antique shop, and past countless delights: walking teapots, miniature steamboats, giant hedgehogs and islands with sails.This fantastical story of a dog and a boy is told simply through weird, whimsical and often hilarious illustrations. Children will pore over each page, delighting in the incredible details. Each reading will bring fresh discoveries and new twists to the tale.Beloved Swedish children’s illustrator Sven Nordqvist unleashes his endlessly inventive talent in this funny and satisfying wordless book. Walking the dog will never feel the same again.

The Golden Treasury of Scottish Verse is a timeless collection of Scottish poetry. It contains over three hundred poems ranging from the early medieval period to the twenty-first century, and paints a full-colour portrait of Scotland’s poetic heritage and culture.Edited and introduced by award-winning poets Kathleen Jamie, Don Paterson and Peter Mackay, and including poems by Robert Burns, Carol Ann Duffy, Sorley Maclean, Violet Jacob, William Dunbar, Meg Bateman, George Mackay Brown, Mairi Mhor nan Oran, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jackie Kay, Liz Lochhead, and many more, The Golden Treasury of Scottish Verse is a joyous celebration of Scotland’s literary past, present and future.

The Hebridean Baker has a global following and, with nearly 10 million views of his recipe and lifestyle videos, Coinneach MacLeod was recently featured in Elle Magazine as one of Elle’s Cosy TikTok Picks. His unique style and wholesome and delicious traditional Scottish bakes have won him fans around the globe and now, in The Hebridean Baker, Coinneach shares both his fabulous recipes and fascinating stories of island life, offering a true taste of Scotland’s wild and windswept Outer Hebrides.Focusing on small bakes that use a simple set of ingredients, these recipes will unleash your inner Scottish baker – it’s all about rustic, home baking and old family favourites because, as the Hebridean Baker says, ‘Homemade is Always Best’.From Croft Loaf to Cranachan Chocolate Bombs, Oaty Apricot Cookies to Heilan’ Coo Cupcakes, and from Granny Annag’s Christmas Cake to Aunt Bellag’s Duff, there’s something here to put a smile on everyone’s face. And with his faithful West Highland Terrier Seoras by his side every step of the way, the Hebridean Baker will even help you teach your dog Gaelic, while you enjoy some truly delicious Scottish bakes.

New Writing Scotland is the principal forum for poetry and short fiction in Scotland today. Every year it publishes the very best from both emerging and established writers, and lists many of the leading literary lights of Scotland among its past (and present) contributors. Break in Case of Silence: New Writing Scotland 39 is the latest collection of excellent contemporary literature, drawn from a wide cross-section of Scottish culture and society, and includes new work from forty authors – some award-winning and internationally renowned, and some just beginning their careers.