A Calendar of Love and Other Stories
- 156 pages
- 6 hours of reading
The first collection of stories published by George Mackay Brown, this volume includes 14 stories arising from both ancient and modern life on the island of Orkney.
George Mackay Brown, a poet, novelist, and dramatist, dedicated his life to living in and documenting the Orkney Isles. His work deeply explores the life, history, and traditions that shape Orkney's distinct cultural identity. A significant theme in his writing is the preservation of Orkney's heritage against the tide of modernity and the erosion of myth and ritual. Through his unique voice, Brown offers readers a profound connection to a landscape and history intrinsically linked to ancient rhythms and enduring stories.







The first collection of stories published by George Mackay Brown, this volume includes 14 stories arising from both ancient and modern life on the island of Orkney.
From the early 1960s to the late 1980s, George Mackay Brown wrote new Christmas poems which were printed on cards sent to his close family or friends, or, as the years went on, he designed his own cards, commissioning art from friends and family and again including original verse compositions. This book reproduces all the known cards, the majority of which were found in the possession of his niece living in Stromness, George's home town throughout most of his life. They are a complete delight and will be a must for all of Mackay Brown's numerous and devoted followers. But they also open a door into this remarkable man's life which will have an appeal to an audience far beyond the shores of Orkney at Christmas time.
Light wear to the covers. Shipped from the UK in recyclable card packaging.
One hundred fifty aerial photographs show Scotland's hills, islands, lochs, harbors, rivers, lighthouses, castles, ruins, cathedrals, towns, factories, and gardens
Set against the harsh background of Orkney, this collection of stories tells of fishermen, crofters, farmers and tinkers and how they live out their lives. The author succeeds in writing in a style that takes the reader into the realm of the mystical.
This book takes the reader on a journey from Orkney, over to Norway, into Iceland and Ireland, recreating with historical accuracy the customs and landscapes of the time while bringing the age to life through a large cast of engaging characters. Through the telling of Ranald's story, Mackay Brown displays abundant knowledge about many facets of early Orkney life, of seamanship, marriage customs, beliefs and traditions and his portrayal of this age extends to the routine of the Norwegian Royal court. Traditional poetry is scattered throughout Mackay Brown's prose adding a richness and depth to the tale he tells. Lore and legend, the elemental pull of the sea and the land, the sweetness of the early religion and the darker, more ancient rites, weave through this exquisite celebration of Orcadian history and the inexorable seasons of life.
Christmas Stories gathers together some of the previously unpublished winter themed and Christmas stories that Mackay Brown either published separately in newspapers, or included in limited edition book printings, together with some of his previously published stories. They all possess the extraordinary Orcadian voice that can only be be George Mackay Brown. They take the reader to another time, another universe, and will brighten any reader's Christmas season
First published in 1969, An Orkney Tapestry, George Mackay Brown's seminal work, is a unique look at Orkney through the eye of a poet and a celebration of Orkney's people, language and history. Unavailable for many years, this new edition has a specially commissioned Introduction written by Kirsteen McCue and Linden Bicket.
Light wear to the covers. Shipped from the UK in recyclable card packaging.
A vivid portrait of the island that inspired his work from one of Scotland's greatest poets.