E.A. Ingpen

This is a commissioned anthology of tales, mostly historical with some folklore (the best account of the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan I have ever seen) and a generous sprinkling of ghost stories.

Each castle is represented by a drawing and a story. Both drawings and stories are of uneven quality. Especially the stories, for the most part related by people with some family connexion and for the most part not particularly good writers. Both the art and story of Dunvegan, mentioned above, are outstanding. And Craigievar? The castle portrait is simple but beautiful and the story by Sir Ewan Forbes, Baronet of Craigievar, was touching. If I'm ever lucky enough to return to Scotland, I will definitely plan to visit there. Lady Jean Fforde's story of Brodick Castle, sadly lost to the family in payment of estate duty, was also well written and evocative, but the castle picture looks like it was drawn by a fairly competent high school student with a sharpie.

Like most tourist-souvenir books, it's worth reading at night back in the hostel ... where you may find a copy on the communal bookshelf!… (mais)