Famous Scots and the Supernatural


Book Description

Scotland is often seen as a land of mystery, a place where reality collides with the world of spirits and phantoms. But what effect does that have on the individuals who call it their home? And, in particular, on those people who have in one way or another earned a place in history? Famous Scots and the Supernatural examines the achievements of famous Scots through the ages and shows how their lives and decisions have been affected by unusual and unlikely influences. For example, William Wallace was seen at one time as much as a mystic as a soldier. Hugh Dowding, who masterminded Britain's Battle of Britain victory, was fascinated by the spirit world and became a leading exponent of the New Age movement. And John Logie Baird, the father of television, had a number of supernatural experiences and attended séances where he received messages from dead inventors. Famous Scots and the Supernatural reveals how, from the earliest times to the present, politicians, scientists, writers and artists have been influenced not only by the world around them but by less obvious and more mystical beliefs and experiences which have changed their lives and altered the course of history.




The Supernatural in Early Modern Scotland


Book Description

This book is about other worlds and the supernatural beings, from angels to fairies, that inhabited them. It is about divination, prophecy, visions and trances. And it is about the cultural, religious, political and social uses to which people in Scotland put these supernatural themes between 1500 and 1800. The supernatural consistently provided Scots with a way of understanding topics such as the natural environment, physical and emotional wellbeing, political events and visions of past and future. In exploring the early modern supernatural, the book has much to reveal about how men and women in this period thought about, debated and experienced the world around them. Comprising twelve chapters by an international range of scholars, The supernatural in early modern Scotland discusses both popular and elite understandings of the supernatural.




Scottish Ghost Stories


Book Description

"Scottish Ghost Stories" by Elliott O'Donnell is a collection of stories of supposed accounts of hauntings in Scotland. O'Donnell was a famed Victorian ghost hunter and authority on the supernatural, making him the perfect person to compile the most credible ghost sightings in Scotland. All the accounts in this book are personally related to the author, either from first-hand experience or because he believed they were being experienced by trusted sources. One thing is for sure, this book has been used by paranormal investigators as a starting point for investigations in the country.







Culloden Tales


Book Description

Culloden was the last battle on British soil. It marked the end of clan culture and was the harbinger of the Highland Clearances. It ensured the inevitability of the American Revolution and increased the outpouring of Scots across the globe. It is the only battle that British Army regiments are not permitted to include in their battle honours; the only battle that Bonnie Prince Charlie ever lost; and the only battle that the Duke of Cumberland ever won. Culloden is a battlefield, a graveyard and an iconic site that draws people from all parts of the world. And as they come, they bring with them their stories and their father's father's stories. These stories tell of civil war, of love, of the unexpected and even of the supernatural. They are peopled by the second-sighted, by clan chiefs and by others who have kept family secrets for centuries. The battlefield is a poignant location, resonant with past deeds and emotive memories. These Culloden tales are offered as a unique record to the power of the place.




A Companion to the British and Irish Novel, 1945 - 2000


Book Description

A Companion to the British and Irish Novel 1945-2000 serves as an extended introduction and reference guide to the British and Irish novel between the close of World War II and the turn of the millennium. Covers a wide range of authors from Samuel Beckett to Salman Rushdie Provides readings of key novels, including Graham Greene’s ‘Heart of the Matter’, Jean Rhys’s ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ and Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘The Remains of the Day’ Considers particular subgenres, such as the feminist novel and the postcolonial novel Discusses overarching cultural, political and literary trends, such as screen adaptations and the literary prize phenomenon Gives readers a sense of the richness and diversity of the novel during this period and of the vitality with which it continues to be discussed




What Happens Next?


Book Description

This fascinating book uncovers the history behind urban legends and explains how the contemporary iterations of familiar fictional tales provide a window into the modern concerns—and digital advancements—of our society. What do ghost hunting, legend tripping, and legendary monsters have in common with email hoaxes, chain letters, and horror movies? In this follow-up to Libraries Unlimited's Tales, Rumors, and Gossip: Exploring Contemporary Folk Literature in Grades 7–12, author Gail de Vos revisits popular urban legends, and examines the impact of media—online, social, and broadcast—on their current iterations. What Happens Next? Contemporary Urban Legends and Popular Culture traces the evolution of contemporary legends from the tradition of oral storytelling to the sharing of stories on the Internet and TV. The author examines if the popularity of contemporary legends in the media has changed the form, role, and integrity of familiar legends. In addition to revisiting some of the legends highlighted in her first book, de Vos shares new tales in circulation which she sees as a direct result of technological advancements.




The Pirate Bay Collection: History, Trues Stories & Most Famous Pirate Novels


Book Description

The Pirate Bay Collection stands as a monumental anthology, weaving together the rich tapestry of pirate-themed narratives across history, true stories, and the most celebrated pirate novels. This collection boasts an unparalleled range of literary styles, from the swashbuckling adventures of high seas to the introspective accounts of piracy's impact on society. Within its pages, readers will find an exquisite blend of historical accuracy and fantastical escapades, encapsulated in timeless works that have shaped the literary depiction of piracy. The diversity and significance of the works included, alongside standout pieces that define the pirate genre, highlight this collection's importance in both literary and cultural contexts. The contributing authors and editors, a veritable who's who of literary giants from Jules Verne to F. Scott Fitzgerald, bring a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, and styles to the anthology. Their collective contributions underscore the multifaceted nature of piracy, touching on themes of adventure, morality, freedom, and the human condition. This assortment of voices aligns with various literary movements, from Romanticism to Realism, enriching the collection with a historical and cultural depth that offers readers a panoramic view of the pirate's place in literature and society. The Pirate Bay Collection is an essential volume for anyone interested in exploring the myriad ways in which pirates have been imagined, romanticized, and vilified throughout literature. It offers a unique opportunity to embark on a journey through the high seas of narrative innovation, historical reflection, and literary excellence. This anthology not only serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the evolution of the pirate narrative but also as a portal to the thrilling escapades and moral quandaries that have captivated the minds of readers for centuries. Engage with this collection to experience the wide breadth of insights and the dynamic dialogue fostered between different authors' works, all within the fascinating context of piracy.




The Great North Road, the Old Mail Road to Scotland: York to Edinburgh


Book Description

Charles G. Harper in the book "The Great North Road, the Old Mail Road to Scotland: York to Edinburgh" describes in detail the great north road from York to Edinburgh. This book contains distance information to be covered in miles between these cities – at approximately 389 miles. It describes the sojourn of the author through this incredible distance with fascinating sights on the path to glory.




The Encyclopedia of Fantasy


Book Description

Like its companion volume, "The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction", this massive reference of 4,000 entries covers all aspects of fantasy, from literature to art.