Clan MacColin of Glenderry

A MacColin Bibliography

This is a short list of books for more detailed information on Irish and Scottish history and culture compiled by Steven Gillan, Chief of Clan MacColin, and Crystal Gillan, his wife and Clan Maccolin Costume Mistress. Some of them are very hard to find, while others may be borrowed from other members.

First Semester Books

Highland Folkways,  I.F. Grant,  1961.  Routledge and Kegan Paul Limited, London. Paperback: Birlinn Ltd., Edinburgh, ISBN 0-86281-250-X

• Mostly 18th century and later information, it is the best survey we have on the subject.

Irish Folkways,  E. Estyn Evans,  1976,  Routledge and Kegan Paul Limited, London,  ISBN 0-71002-861-P

• Mostly 18th century and later information, but the best survey we have on this subject area.

>The Steel Bonnets:  The Story of the Anglo-Scottish Border Reivers,  George MacDonald Fraser,  1986,  Collins Harvill, London,  ISBN 0-00-272746-3

>The Twilight Lords,  Richard Berleth,  1994,  Barnes and Noble, Inc.  ISBN 1-56619-598-5

• >A good read, it is the primary survey for on our period.

>The Great O'Neil,  Sean O'Faolain,  1942,  Reprinted 1992,  Mercier Press, Dublin,  ISBN 0-85342-769-0

• >Another essential history book best read after Twilight Lords.

>The Scottish Highlanders: A Personal View,  Charles Roy MacKinnon,  1984, St. Martain's Press,  New York, ISBN 0-312-70505-0

• >A pleasantly written 1st semester read, without Celtic Twilight humbug.

>Celtic Mythology,  Promsias MacCana,  1970,  The Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd,  London/New York,  ISBN 600-00647-6

• >A very nice short survey and a roster of the mythological characters, both insular and continental, it is an essential introduction to the Rees book and helpful in reading the Tain.

>Anglo-Irish Trade in the Sixteenth Century,  Ada Kathleen Longfield,  1929,  George Routledge and Son Ltd. London,

• >Rare, valuable, rich in detail, it is necessary reading for the advanced family member.

>Every-Day life on an Old Highland Farm,  I.F. Grant,  1981,  Shepheard-Walwyn,  London, ISBN 0-85683-058-5

• >18th century, but as with our other life style selections the information reflects a much older social organization.

>Elizabeth's Irish Wars,  Cyril Falls,  1950,  London

• >A good Survey.  Good detail and tidbits.

>Celtic Heritage:  Ancient Tradition in Ireland and Wales,  Alwyn Rees and Brinley Rees,  1961,  Thomas and Hudson.

• >An essential read for the advanced clan member who has had more than passing exposure to Irish and Welsh myth cycles, with insights into the ways of art, literature, geography, politics, poetry, and character.

>Mary Queen of Scots,  Antonia Fraser,  London, 1969.

• >A very complete biography with very little sentimental stuff.  Scholarly.

>The Saints of Ireland, Ryan Darcy,Mary, St.Paul: The Irish American Cultural Institute, 1974.

• >Recomended by Fr. Roibeard MacLochlainn +, esp. "Irish saints in Scotland", 71-88.

> Scottish Crafts,  Ian Finlay,  1948,  George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd.  London,

• >Not enough illustration, but worthwhile.

>Traditional Scottish Dyes, and How to Make Them,  Jean Fraser,  Illustrated by Florence Knowles,  1985,  Cannongate Publishing, Ltd.  Edinburgh,  ISBN 0-86241-1084

>British Coracles and Irish Curraghs,  James Hornell, F.L.S., F.R.A.I.  1938,  Published for the Society of Nautical Research, Bernard Quaritch, Ltd.  London.

• >Rare and Valuable, it is The book on the topic.

>Tartans,  Christine Hesketh,  1961,  Library of Congress Catalogue #61-122200

• >Rare.  Useful, although the printing quality is poor and the number of color plates limited.

>Old Irish and Highland Dress, With Notes on that of the Isle of Man,  H.F. McClintock, Tempest,  1943,  Dundalgan Press, Dundalk.

>Rare and valuable.  The most authoritative source outside the primary sources.

>Dress in Ireland,  Mairead Dunlevy,  1989,  Holms and Meir Publishers, Inc. 30 Irving Place, Ney York, N.Y.  ISBN 0-8419-1269-8

• >A confused focus robs this work.  Good illustrations, worth owning.

>The History of Highland Dress,  John Telefer Dunbar,  1962,  Oliver and Boyd,  London and Edinburgh.

• >Rare and valuable.  Not enough illustrations. Dunbar is the premier author in the highland area.

>Patterns of Fashion: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women c.1560-1620,  Janet Arnold,  1994,  MacMillian London Ltd.  London.

• >Excellent!

>This a short list, no way exhaustive. The serious clan member should keep a notebook on their readings to record questions and insights. Boaire candidates will be held to a level of knowledge of these publications.  Remember, just because its in print does not mean that the conclusions of the author are true or even useful. Develop a critical sense.