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.
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.
Christmas Stories gathers together some of the previously unpublished winter themed and Christmas stories that Mackay Brown either published separately in newspapers, or included in limited edition book printings, together with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
Zadumaně krásné Orkneje u břehů Skotska představují „ostrovy plovoucí k severu“ a jejich zneuctěný aristokrat ducha Magnus Erlendson se na nich konečně dočkal statutu svatého mučedníka a patrona. George Mackay Brown převyprávěl ságu o tomto středověkém šlechtici – mimo jiné figurujícím ve folkloru této výspy Evropy jako nemrtvý přízrak – s odvahou, jež se směle měří se zanícenými výkony dávných bardů s harfou. Zásluhou magického realismu čechraného skoupým slunkem, všudypřítomnou slanou vodou i úklady starými jako lidstvo samo zjišťujeme, že dvanácté století nebylo na Orknejích ani pod nadvládou Norů zdaleka pouze „temné“, neboť vše se tak jako tak vrací v kruzích a nad zbídačelým krajem znovu zavládne světlo. Vroucná báj o narození, prozření, smrti a zmrtvýchvstání krajana-mírotvorce vede k docenění rodné země: pravlasti dobra i všeho vnitřního utrpení, kterého hrouda pod našima nohama poznala daleko víc, než každý z nás v životě zjistí. George Mackay Brown převyprávěl ságu o středověkém šlechtici – mimo jiné figurujícím ve folkloru této výspy Evropy jako nemrtvý přízrak – s odvahou, jež se směle měří se zanícenými výkony dávných bardů s harfou.
Fankle tells Jenny the stories of his different lives with pirates, in ancient Egypt and even with the Empress of China.
In diesem Roman, der auf der fiktiven Insel Norday in den Orkneys spielt, entführt uns George Mackay Brown in die imaginäre Welt des jungen Thorfinn Ragnarson, des Sohnes eines Kleinbauern. In seinen Tagträumen erlebt er die Geschichte dieses Inselvolkes, reist in der Zeit zurück, um sich den Wikinger-Abenteurern am Hof des byzantinischen Kaisers in Konstantinopel anzuschließen, und begleitet dann einen falstaffianischen Ritter zur Schlacht von Bannockburn.
Mythical tales by a Scottish poet. They range from the title story, which is on the love of a seal for a woman, to a story about the guardian of a stone that protects an island from invaders.
George's memory is inseparable from Orkney, where he was born the youngest child of a poor family and which he rarely left. His mother was a beautiful woman who spoke only Gaelic and his father was a wit, mimic and singer, who also doubled as postman and tailor. Tuberculosis framed George's early life and kept him in a kind of limbo. He discovered alcohol which gave him insights into the workings of the mind. While attending the University of Edinburgh he came into contact with Goodsir Smith, MacDiarmid and Norman MacCaig - and Stella Cartwright with whom perhaps all of them were in love. By the time of his death in 1996 he was recognised as one of the great writers of his time and country.
Short stories. By the author of "Beside the ocean of time".
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.
One hundred fifty aerial photographs show Scotland's hills, islands, lochs, harbors, rivers, lighthouses, castles, ruins, cathedrals, towns, factories, and gardens
An incident from the Viking period in the Northern Isles of Scotland inspired the story from which this collection takes its title. The stories range from the first century, to the 1920s - when the author was a child - to one which ends a hundred years from now.
A vivid portrait of the island that inspired his work from one of Scotland's greatest poets.
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.
Set in the Orkney's. Some concern twentieth century Orkneymen, while others tell of their ancestors of 500 or even 4,000 years ago. They show how the history and legends of the islands have had a deep effect upon the present day community.
