THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

A beautiful gift edition of four classic stories from Elsa Beskow’s cherished Peter and Lotta series, also starring Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, Aunt Lavender and Uncle Blue.The picture books of Swedish author-illustrator Elsa Beskow (1874-1953) have been beloved by adults and children alike for more than 100 years. Her nostalgic picture books are full of gentle humour and charm. The Elsa Beskow Peter and Lotta Collection combines four picture books – Aunt Green, Aunt Brown and Aunt Lavender; Aunt Brown’s Birthday; Peter and Lotta’s Adventure; and Uncle Blue’s New Boat in a collectable edition.Through the delightful tales, readers will meet orphans Peter and Lotta and their new family Aunts Green, Brown and Lavender and Uncle Blue, enjoy their adventures and discover an idyllic Sweden of long ago.Full of whimsy and nostalgia, Beskow’s classic stories are brought together for the first time in a gift edition. Adult collectors will love the faithfully reproduced vintage artwork, unique hand-crafted design, premium-quality paper, gold foil signature and a luxurious cloth spine.

When Flash, a very curious little fish, finds himself stuck in a jar in a little boy’s bedroom, his aunts and uncles are determined to save him. But how can three fish rescue him from dry land?This is a whimsical and funny story from the world-renowned Swedish author-illustrator Elsa Beskow. Young children will delight in the fish-eye perspective, quirky characters, and their extraordinary adventure.This wonderful mini gift edition of The Curious Fish reproduces Elsa Beskow’s classic illustrations and beloved story in an adorable small format — ideal for little hands.

?I can see the disgust on the face of one neighbor when Jack, the farmer, asked to lend a man, produced a land girl.?Mona Macleod worked in Kirkubrightshire during the second World War, providing the skilled labour needed on farms before mechanization. The girls were given heavy agricultural work in fields, with animals, carrying hundred weight sacks, sawing wood, felling trees, filling up rat holes. It was a tough way to grow up, but this illustrated memoir provides a record of a time when women faced the rigorous physical challenges involved in winning the war at home.

For a period in time that gave us Sappho, and the love affair of Achilles and Patroclus, the Ancient Greek relationship with queer folk is a lot more complicated than at first glance. Yet, as ancient historian and author Jean Menzies highlights in this book, ancient Greek myths are being told anew by LGBTQ+ writers and readers to explore modern day queer joy and queer struggles. They are queering the Greek myths.LGBTQ+ writers and readers have reclaimed an ancient and timeless form of storytelling featuring reimaginings of recognisable characters to give voice to a community that has always existed but has not always been able to speak out! All the Violet Tiaras is both an act of rebellion and an act that honours the legacy of these remarkable stories. Together our community has carved out a safe space in the transformed versions of these myths and we are here to stay.

I’m gonna tell you the whole story. I’m going to tell you everything.Sometimes all it takes is a single message. Maybe it’s bad, like a rival top boy’s been switched off. Or maybe it’s good, like an opportunity you never thought you’d get. But opportunities mean risks, and debts, and you never want to owe anyone anything.Jaq’s worked hard on the road since she was fourteen, bringing in money to keep her broken family afloat. Now she’s built a good life near the top of the Summerhouse crew, with a beautiful home she shares with her girlfriend Becks and her heavily pregnant older sister Lauryn.But messages are coming in – good and bad – and Jaq has to make a choice: step back from the road and start a life she’s never even considered. Or seize her opportunities and risk everything for life-changing money. Either way, Jaq will make enemies. And those enemies aren’t going to let her go easily . . .

For a period in time that gave us Sappho, and the love affair of Achilles and Patroclus, the Ancient Greek relationship with queer folk is a lot more complicated than at first glance. Yet, as ancient historian and author Jean Menzies highlights in this book, ancient Greek myths are being told anew by LGBTQ+ writers and readers to explore modern day queer joy and queer struggles. They are queering the Greek myths.LGBTQ+ writers and readers have reclaimed an ancient and timeless form of storytelling featuring reimaginings of recognisable characters to give voice to a community that has always existed but has not always been able to speak out! All the Violet Tiaras is both an act of rebellion and an act that honours the legacy of these remarkable stories. Together our community has carved out a safe space in the transformed versions of these myths and we are here to stay.

Juan Ramirez, Jr.?s collection of poetry and monologues, Juan by Juan, is an exploration of life, identity, and love featuring 15 poems from the popular writer, actor, and theater maker. The playful verse hits home with reflections on what it means to be a man called Juan in a place called The Bronx. Coupled with his poetry, this volume contains 14 monologues by Juan Ramirez Jr., for actors of all ages, genders, and identities.Juan Ramirez, Jr., is an internationally produced and award-winning multi-hyphenated artist. Puerto Rican and Guatemalteco, Bronx born and raised, Juan champions the voiceless in his work. This collection breaks open a new window on his city and its people, capturing the energy and impact in verse and spoken word.”Juan Ramirez, Jr.’s Juan by Juan, is what we poetry lovers desperately need; surprise. Being a theater discipline, Juan understands the value of surprise. Staying ahead of your audience is the quintessential tool a playwright must possess. Juan by Juan is a fun yet revealing read.” – reg e gaines

There is more to Scotland than the intensifying debate on independence. This is a rich land, with a rich culture and past that defy commonly held stereotypes of the Scottish people. But their nation also played a central role in the British Empire and has links to slavery. There are Muslims in far-flung places, and their influence on Scottish identity and culture is increasing.In this issue, we explore the history and diversity of Scotland, relate the chronicles of Scotland?s Muslims, get high on Scottish poetry, trace the influence of Scots on Muslim novelists, and unpack the politics of Scotland?s minority language?speakers.About Critical Muslim: A quarterly publication of ideas and issues showcasing groundbreaking thinking on Islam and what it means to be a Muslim in a rapidly changing, interconnected world. Each edition centers on a discrete theme, and contributions include reportage, academic analysis, cultural commentary, photography, poetry, and book reviews.

These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God’s Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.Living a life of wisdom.As Christians we constantly face questions about how we can live God’s way in a world which, though created by Him, has chosen a different path. Proverbs contain a wealth of practical advice about many of the issues faced at the time of writing and which we still face today. The reader is challenged with the truth that to choose not to follow God leads to disaster. However, God is not portrayed as a ‘Victorian schoolmaster’, stick in hand, waiting to punish us, but as a loving God who seeks to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him.Ice breakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application and ‘Seeing Jesus’ sections make this a rich resource for group or individual study.

These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God’s Word to your life as you explore seven compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.Responding to God’s call to righteousness todayWhat is a Christian response to issues of poverty, justice, the environment…? Should we be concerned about them? If so, what can we do? Through looking at the biblical teaching on justice and then focusing on some contemporary issues (the environment, trade and debt, money and consumerism), this Bible study aims to help us answer these questions.Icebreakers, Bible readings, eye openers, discussion starters, personal application make this a rich resource for group or individual study.

A charming, lively and often amusing tour of 36 forgotten episodes and overlooked people and places of Scottish history.Scotland?s history is full of famous kings, queens, saints and warriors. But what about its lesser-known places, people and events? In this collection of half-forgotten tales, Alistair Moffat brings their stories out of the shadows, from the clashes of proud Picts and ?pirate kings? in the early medieval period to the invention of tartan, whisky, Aberdeen Angus and Peter Pan. Each surprising or scandalous twist sheds a new light on the history of Scotland.

Robert the Bruce is a man of both history and legend. In his lifetime he secured Scottish independence in the face of English imperial aggression under the successive leadership of Edward I and Edward II. He was the victor of Bannockburn, a self-made king against all odds, and is celebrated as a champion of the Scottish nation. Yet Robert?s colourful life is far from straightforward. Stephen Spinks seeks to examine this most enigmatic of kings beyond the myths to reveal him in the context of his time, his people and in his actions.Stephen shows that Robert was a complex man, confronted by hardships and difficult and often dangerous decisions. He was not born to rule. As the murderer of John Comyn, a rival for the Scottish crown, Bruce sent shockwaves across Europe and was condemned by kings and popes. In war he suffered terrible personal loss, including the deaths of all four of his brothers and the imprisonment of his wife, daughter and two sisters, all at the hands of the English. He was at times a desperate yet focussed and highly determined man. Robert was also astute, breaking the rules of chivalry to even the odds, systematically fighting a guerrilla war against the English which he ultimately won. Yet he also cultivated the symbols of kingship, was pious, careful with his patronage and fought to uphold his fiercely held beliefs.King Robert unified his deeply divided kingdom and secured its independence from England. His dramatic life as the victorious underdog forged a significant legacy that has survived for 700 years.

In this revealing book, Roman historian and archaeologist Andrew Tibbs uncovers the earliest Roman fortifications in Scotland and examines the landscape and context in which they were built. Although the most visible high-water marks of the Roman Empire in Britain are Hadrian?s Wall and the Antonine Wall, less is known about the fortifications which marked the early Roman forays into Scotland before the Romans decided that the land was ungovernable. Using maps, diagrams, reconstructions and archaeological evidence, Andrew Tibbs unveils these important military bastions and explores the strategic and tactical context in which they were built. The book reveals fascinating information about how Roman commanders and their engineers used the landscape to best effect to locate the forts in the prime defensive positions, using not only the rugged contours of the land but also making optimum use of roads and rivers. The author argues convincingly that the location of Roman fortifications in the Scottish landscape was an essential tool used by the Roman military to secure and control the local population during the first Roman invasion of Scotland.Illustrated with maps and diagrams as well as photographs of surviving archaeological sites, this book is an essential companion for amateur archaeologists, historians and walkers who want to discover more about the Roman military landscape of Scotland.

The wages of sin is death.The partial collapse of a disused Edinburgh church reveals a dead body in the rubble, his head badly smashed by falling masonry. Soon identified as an old ex-con – Kenny Morgan – his death is put down to a heart attack and deemed non-suspicious.Tony McLean is approached by a notorious crime lord who suggests the police should be looking into Morgan’s death more closely. Despite struggling with his recent retirement, he is reluctant to involve himself.But when a second man is found dead in another disused church, his forehead branded with a cross, this time it is clearly murder.There’s a killer stalking the streets of Edinburgh. Is it time for McLean to get back to doing what he does best?Praise for James Oswald:’The new Ian Rankin’ Daily Record’Creepy, gritty and gruesome’ Sunday Mirror’Crime fiction’s next big thing’ Sunday Telegraph(P) 2024 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

‘MALORY TOWERS FOR GROWN-UPS’ SOPHIE KINSELLAJenny Colgan returns with all her signature charm in this fourth installment of her Maggie Adair series. The Little School by the Sea is a magical place of friendship, striving, excitement and plenty of mischief.Maggie Adair, the passionate, devoted English teacher at Downey House, is about to ride off into the sunset with her new love when tragedy strikes. Pulled from their happy-ever-after, she and David must put their budding romance aside until they return for a new term, unsure where they now stand.A fresh new year at Downey House comes with more drama from the students – with Fliss and Alice at odds after a summer apart, and Simone trying to nurture her new relationship while dealing with exam stresses, the new term is shaping up to be a challenge for all…’A BRILLIANT BOARDING SCHOOL BOOK, STUFFED FULL OF UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS AND THRILLING ADVENTURES’ LISA JEWELL

‘MALORY TOWERS FOR GROWN-UPS’ SOPHIE KINSELLAJenny Colgan returns with all her signature charm in this fourth installment of her Maggie Adair series. The Little School by the Sea is a magical place of friendship, striving, excitement and plenty of mischief.Maggie Adair, the passionate, devoted English teacher at Downey House, is about to ride off into the sunset with her new love when tragedy strikes. Pulled from their happy-ever-after, she and David must put their budding romance aside until they return for a new term, unsure where they now stand.A fresh new year at Downey House comes with more drama from the students – with Fliss and Alice at odds after a summer apart, and Simone trying to nurture her new relationship while dealing with exam stresses, the new term is shaping up to be a challenge for all…’A BRILLIANT BOARDING SCHOOL BOOK, STUFFED FULL OF UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS AND THRILLING ADVENTURES’ LISA JEWELL

?It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood?In 11th century Scotland, Macbeth receives a prophecy that he will become king. Three witches promise Macbeth that he will rise in the military to become Thane of Cawdor before ascending to the throne. But his fellow soldier Banquo receives a message of his own: his sons will, too, become kings.Upon their return, Macbeth is indeed promoted to Thane of Cawdor, and when his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, hears of his promotion, they both become convinced that the prophecy is indeed true, and she vows to help him become King of Scotland – by any means necessary.The Macbeths’ pursuit of power leads them down a dark and bloody path of murder and increasing paranoia, unravelling both Macbeth’s mind and his reign as the witches’ prophecies take hold.STAGED is a beautifully designed, six-part collection of Shakespeare?s most beloved works and the archetypes that they popularised, celebrating the genius of the Bard and the tropes that continue to delight YA readers to this day.

Laura has a husband, children, a home in a city she loves. She thinks she can be happy, despite her past.If they only knew my secret.Until someone walks back into her life who she knows will shatter everything. Alexis was her first love. A love so exhilarating, it is impossible to resist.I know I should end it. But I can’t.Then Alexis is found dead, and the police are knocking at Laura’s door. They’re asking her questions and she’s telling them lies.I didn’t kill him. I promise.Someone wants Laura to pay for what she’s been running from. Someone with an obsession that they can’t let go.

‘MALORY TOWERS FOR GROWN-UPS’ SOPHIE KINSELLAJenny Colgan returns with all her signature charm in this fourth installment of her Maggie Adair series. The Little School by the Sea is a magical place of friendship, striving, excitement and plenty of mischief.Maggie Adair, the passionate, devoted English teacher at Downey House, is about to ride off into the sunset with her new love when tragedy strikes. Pulled from their happy-ever-after, she and David must put their budding romance aside until they return for a new term, unsure where they now stand.A fresh new year at Downey House comes with more drama from the students – with Fliss and Alice at odds after a summer apart, and Simone trying to nurture her new relationship while dealing with exam stresses, the new term is shaping up to be a challenge for all…’A BRILLIANT BOARDING SCHOOL BOOK, STUFFED FULL OF UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS AND THRILLING ADVENTURES’ LISA JEWELL

“The beautiful rolling hills and coastlines are for all of us. Together, we can reimagine the British countryside (and all it represents) and make space so that everyone is welcomed.”Gathering brings together essays by women of colour across the UK writing about their relationships with nature, in a genre long-dominated by male, white, middle-class writers. In redressing this imbalance, this moving collection considers climate justice, neurodiversity, mental health, academia, inherited histories, colonialism, whiteness, music, hiking and so much more.These personal, creative, and fierce essays will broaden both conversations and horizons about our living world, encouraging readers to consider their own experience with nature and their place within it.