Modern Scottish Collections

Another wide selection of Scottish material was received by the National Library of Scotland this week, including new editions of Hasty death and Snobbery with violence in the Edwardian murder mystery series by M.C. Beaton, one of the pen-names used by prolific Scottish author Marion Chesney.

Perhaps a handy guide to have if you’re in Edinburgh for the Festival, Camra’s Edinburgh pub walks by Bob Steel suggests various walking routes in and around Edinburgh, with details on local history, attractions and public transport, as well as comprehensive information on some of the best pubs in the city.

Celtic mythology, fairy stories and the history and landscape of Scotland are all inspirations for Wolf notes and other musical mishaps, a children’s book set in the Highlands by Scottish author and storyteller Lari Don. Lari was born in Chile but has lived in Scotland since she was a child and is currently based in Leith.

Continuing the Leith connection, two books on the history of Hibernian Football Club were also received this week. There is a bonny fitba team : fifty years on the Hibee highway by Ted Brack examines the history of the club through the eyes of a life-long supporter from 1958 through to the present day. The golden years : Hibernian in the days of the famous five by Tom Wright follows the fortune of the team from the 1931 to 1961. You can find more references to items about Hibs on Scottish Bibliographies Online.

New Scottish interest items received by the National Library of Scotland this week included the latest Agatha Raisin mystery Agatha Raisin : there goes the bride. Scottish author M.C. Beaton was born in Glasgow and has written more than 100 historical romance novels under her own name (Marion Chesney) and various pseudonyms. In addition to the Agatha Raisin detective series, M.C. Beaton also writes the Hamish Macbeth novels, inspired by life on a croft in Sutherland.

Also new in this week was Hannah Frank : footsteps on the sands of time : a 100th birthday gallimaufry edited by Fiona Frank and Judith Coyle. Hannah Frank was born in Glasgow in 1908 and studied at Glasgow University and Glasgow School of Art. She achieved considerable acclaim for her sculpture and distinctive black and white drawings. This book was published to coincide with Hannah’s 100th birthday and contains previously unpublished drawings and sketches. Sadly, Hannah passed away in December 2008.

A new illustrated edition of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by John Lawrence was also received this week.