Lillian Beckwith Books

In her charming account of the rural village of Bruach, Lillian Beckwith paints a vivid picture of life as a Hebridean crofter, introducing a cast of colourful locals including village clown Johnny Comic and the irrepressible Erchy and Hector. With her trademark warmth, wit and lively humour, "Miss Peckwitt" spins a sparkling, unsentimental tale of an idyllic, long-lost way of life. 'For an unsentimental, lively, apparently photographically accurate picture on a Hebridean island, Miss Beckwith's essays or memoirs or stories would be hard to beat.' The Times 'A sparkling book which could well become a Scottish humorous classic' Weekly Scotsman

Described as the greatest epic voyage in modern Irish history, Tim Severin and his companions constructed a boat using only sixth-century A.D. techniques and materials, mirroring the time when St. Brendan was believed to have sailed to America. The vessel was made from forty-nine ox hides stitched together and stretched over a wooden frame, with the leather skin measuring just a quarter of an inch thick. Severin and his crew embarked on their journey from Brandon Creek in Dingle to Newfoundland, enduring storms and even a puncture from pack ice. This dramatic account of their adventure captures the essence of being in a small, open boat amidst the vast North Atlantic, encountering curious whales, misty landfalls, and the warm hospitality of seafaring communities along the way. The narrative is both brilliantly written and meticulously researched, making it a classic of modern exploration, translated into 27 languages. Tim Severin, an explorer, filmmaker, and lecturer, has undertaken numerous expeditions, including crossing the Atlantic in a medieval leather boat and searching for Moby Dick. He has authored several books and received multiple literary awards, including the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award and the Book of the Sea Award.

He was a grey-black mongrel; tough canny, loyal – and abandoned. The fisherman called him The Spuddy. The only person to care for The Spuddy in the busy Hebridean village of Gaymal is Andy, a young mute boy staying in the town with relatives. For both of them, their meeting brings friendship after loneliness; but when the new companions are taken up by Jake, skipper of the Silver Crest, events take a swift and unexpected turn. This moving, surprising story will warm the hearts of the many admirers of Lillian Beckwith’s Hebridean stories and win her new friends.

Lillian Beckwith's classic tales of crofting life.

When her children wake in the dead of night to loud bangs and flashing lights, Ruth is quick to dismiss the commotion as a simple thunderstorm. Yet it soon becomes apparent that their island port is under attack, besieged by a gang of violent rebel forces. And they're heading their way . . . Forced to flee their home, the family begin a perilous journey of escape. But Ruth could never have imagined the terrible scenes that they are forced to confront, as the anarchists wreak havoc, and every islander is out for themselves in a desperate fight for survival. The small party of refugees face unimaginable dangers, and with only a desperate mother's strength to keep them alive, they will be forced to rely on others for help. But whom can they really trust?

"Island-born Kristy MacLennan marries Ruari MacDonald in order to escape city life and return to her idyllic homeland. As Kirsty joyfully rediscovers her roots and adapts to the rigours of her new life, there is only one thing standing in the way of happiness - the silent, brooding presence of her brother-in-law..." - back cover.

The island of Bruach provides the setting for more stories of life among the crofters - including whelk gathering, the tale of the lonely ghost and the adoption of a baby guillemot. An evocation of crofting life in the Hebrides.

DUPLICATE ISBN-10: 0099066408 The fourth book of the seven comprosing Beckwith's Hebridean series, first published in paperback by Arrow, October 1970.

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