Books published by publisher Birlinn

Duncan Williamson was a Scottish traveller who went on to become one of Britain's master story-tellers. During his lifetime he was acclaimed 'the greatest English-speaking storyteller', 'the national monument of British storytelling' and, at his death, Scotland's 'greatest contemporary storyteller'. Fireside Tales, his first book, reveals this artistry and mastery in all its glory. This new edition is edited by his wife, Linda Williamson. Fireside Tales is narrated with an intense commitment to generations of the travelling people, who used animal fables, wonder tales and splendid horror stories to instill in their children moral judgment and a knowledge of right and wrong. At every corner the technical skill of the narrator is revealed, his ingenious mixture of conversation and action, frequent change of pace, use of the first person - all attributes of the born storyteller which compel attention, where tension and excitement are at fever pitch throughout. With a universality that can relate to every reader, this book represents one of the great collections of traveller stories.

Rob Roy and All That is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about the loveable Highland rogue. Stampede through the glens as Rob and his gang are chased by the deadly Duke of Montrose. Follow Rob's quest through dungeons and river rapids as his enemies close in for the kill. Learn about Rob's royal ancestry, uncover Rob's dodgy deals and scams, find out why Rob's clan had their name stolen and discover why some people thought Rob was an orangutan! With brilliant illustrations that bring Rob and his foes to life, Rob Roy and All That is essential reading for all aspiring cattle rustlers!

Once upon a time, the little Hebridean village of Tobermory—off the west coast of Scotland on the isle of Mull—was fortunate to have among its citizens a very special ginger cat. Walking to the beat of his own drum, the Tobermory Cat rides in cars, drives big yellow diggers, and speaks to otters, making himself a legend in his own lifetime. This delightful book follows the famous cat’s exploits as he ventures to all kinds of places—from the top of the fish van to the Laird’s downstairs bathroom—to find the ideal spot for a snooze.

The brutish John Gourlay is a merchant in the village of Barbie, envied and resented by the villagers because of his success, which is symbolised in his prestigious house with green shutters. He dominates and bullies his family, in particular his gifted, sensitive but weak son. Ultimately, his refusal to acknowledge the arrival of the railway and to adapt to the increasing industrialisation of Ayrshire precipitates murder, suicide and his family's tragic downfall.

Robert Burns and All That is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about Scotland's national bard. Meet the lassies who stole Burns' heart and the creatures that inspired his poetry. Join his quest to rescue a lost musical treasure—and get chased by ghouls as he explores the dark side of life. Understand the meaning of 'To A Mouse', 'A Man's a Man For A' That' and Burns' other classics, investigate whey Burns supported the French Revolution, Discover the origins of Burns Night and find out what's really in a haggis. Bursting with hilarious illustrations, Robert Burns and All That is a book that simply must be read for the sake of auld lang syne!

Acclaimed children's author Allan Burnett turns his attention to the First World War in a book of explosively exciting and emotionally charged tales of bravery and adventure. Featuring the true exploits of soldiers, spies, pilots, sailors and many others, these stories, all based on interviews with these heroes themselves or their descendants, offer a unique, personal insight into the First World War that no conventional history book can ever hope to match.

World-changing decisions have been made over dinner, from the post-Napoleonic Congress of Vienna to Nixons historic meeting with Zhou Enlai. This enlightening book not only reveals the importance of dining to diplomacy, it enlists the acclaimed restaurateur Tony Singh to recreate the menus, from the Capon Stuffed with Virginia Ham eaten by Hamilton, Madison and Jefferson as they discussed the new US capital to the Poached Salmon Trout with Caviar consumed by Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt in Tehran.

Mary, Queen of Scots and All That is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about Scotland's headless heroine. Follow hot-blooded Mary's lifelong rivalry with her frosty cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England and discover why the Queen of Scots gets her head chopped off. Start at the beginning by finding out how well Mary gets on with her pushy Mum, her ladies-in-waiting and her first boyfriend. Work out why she is hated by Nasty Knox the preacher and his Edinburgh mob. Meet Mary's horrible husbands and understand what makes her marry them. Solve the mysterious murders of her nearest and dearest. Learn the truth about Mary's madness. Uncover the secret plots that earn the Queen of Scots a deadly date with her cousin's executioner and decide for yourself whether Mary is guilty or innocent.

George and Tom, who worked on the farm called 'Reachfar', were Janet's greatest friends. 'Herself' was what they called Janet's Granny when she spoke in a special voice. When it was Herself who ordered George and Tom to bring the sheep off the hills in the unexpected snow, Janet went into the warm barn with Fly, her collie. But she couldn't help thinking about the poor cold sheep on the East Hill. If she just opened the gate, Fly could easily bring the sheep into the shelter of the trees, and she wouldn't be going out, not really out on to the forbidden East Hill . . . But of course she did, and what came of it, in the end, changed Herself back into Granny, loved and loving - and perhaps even a little magical.