Written before the Jacobite rebellions irrevocably changed the face of Highland society, Martin Martin's A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland and A Late Voyage to St Kilda paint a fascinating picture of the Hebrides at a crucial point in their history. Long recognised as some of the most significant pieces of travel writing ever produced about Scotland (Boswell and Johnson found them indispensable on their famous tour of 1773), these texts offer a mine of information on the customs, traditions and way of life in the country's remote island communities.

Sir Donald Monro, High Dean of the Isles, wrote his Description of the Western Islands of Scotland in 1549. He presents a fascinating record of a pastoral visit to islands still coping with the turbulent period after the fall of the Lord of the Isles.

About the Author

Martin Martin (Martainn MacGilleMhartainn) was born at Bealach, near Duntulm, Skye, and was a native Gaelic speaker. He studied at the universities of Edinburgh and Leiden, and died in London in 1719.

Charles W.J. Withers is Professor Emeritus and former Ogilvie Chair of Geography at the University of Edinburgh. Between 2015 and 2022, he was Geographer Royal for Scotland, the first in 118 years. His books include Zero Degrees: Geographies of the Prime Meridian (2017) and, as co-author, the prize-winning Scotland: Mapping the Nation (2011).

Book Information
ISBN 9781839830358
Author Martin Martin
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Origin
Publisher Birlinn General
Weight(grams) 335g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 30mm