Tales from Barra: The Coddy

The tales and stories of John MacPherson – The Coddy – were an instant success on their first publication, and they have been in constant demand ever since. The Coddy was one of the most renowned storytellers and characters of the Western Isles at the turn of the nineteenth into the twentieth and betond, and was the inspiration for Compton MacKenzie’s Whisky Galore. His warmth and personality shine through these stories, which are a wonderful mix of myth, tradition and anecdote. This edition includes a large number of traditional tales told in the inimitable style of The Coddy, grouped in a number of themed sections: Tales of the Macneils of Barra and Other Lairds – The MacLeods of Dunvegan – The Laird of Boisdale – Stories of Olden Times – Ecclesiastical Traditions – Place-names – Tales of Treasure – Tales of Local Characters – Stories of the Politician – Stories of Sea Monsters – Fairies, Second Sight and Ghost Stories – Witchcraft For any student of folklore, for anyone interested in the traditions and history if the islands, or for anyone who simply likes a tale well told, The Coddy is essential reading.This edition is enhanced with a plate section consisting of period photographs of the Western Isles and informative notes on The Coddy and his stories.

Reviews of Tales from Barra: The Coddy

'funny, charming and a real little treasure of a book… It'll send a fascinated shiver through your body as you wonder whether the stories are fact or fiction' – Highland News Group