Books published by Birlinn General

Come and discover The Enigma of Garlic and join the delightful denizens of Edinburgh's most famous address. This latest instalment of the much-loved 44 Scotland Street series is wise, witty, and full of warmth.

Fourteen centuries ago, Irish saints brought the Word of God to the Hebrides and Scotland's Atlantic shore. In this book, Alistair Moffat journeys from the island of Eileach an Naoimh at the mouth of the Firth of Lorne to Lismore, Iona and then north to Applecross, searching for traces of these extraordinary men.

This is the first complete biography of James Hutton, the father of modern geology, who was also a man of immensely wide-ranging intellectual achievements and one of the Scottish Enlightenment's brightest stars.

When Mary Curran became suspicious of hairdresser Jessie Jordan's frequent trips to Nazi Germany in 1937, she could not have known that she would become one of the world's most successful amateur spycatchers. This is her untold true story, the story of how a Nazi spy's letter, intercepted in Scotland, broke spy rings across Europe and America.

This is an introduction to the Picts, for the general reader and historian alike, by leading experts. Based on evidence from recent excavations of major Pictish sites, as well as the latest historical research, this book offers a new viewpoint on a critical but little-known era of Scotland's history.

Cheers, Mr Churchill tells the incredible true story of how the god-fearing teetotaller Edwin Scrymgeour fought and won an election against Britain's most famous politician. The story begins with their first electoral contest in 1908 and follows their political rivalry over the next five elections until Scrymgeour's eventual victory in 1922.

The Edinburgh Skating Club is the tale of one woman's mission to infiltrate the all-male Enlightenment society of eighteenth-century Edinburgh.

Weaving together her first experience of deer stalking with uncovering a lost family history of Highland gamekeeping, award-winning young playwright Jenna Watt explores the varied - and sometimes extreme - characters who make up the rewilding community in contemporary Scotland.

Jenni Fagan's 3rd collection, The Bone Library examines and interprets all of human life. The poems here respond to broader themes of identity, of place, of love and the unloved.

The Horizontal Oak is an intensely moving and uplifting autobiography from acclaimed author an naturalist Polly Pullar. She reflects on how the love of nature has shaped her life, given her the strength to forgive and understand her parents, and help her find an equilibrium.

In this book, Rosemary Goring tells the story of Mary's Scottish years through the often dramatic and atmospheric locations and settings where the events that shaped her life took place and also examines the part Scotland, and its tumultuous court and culture, played in her downfall.

On a mountain road in the Balkans, former Olympic cyclist Heather Bishop and her journalist boyfriend Ryan race each other for fun. But when Ryan rounds a bend in the road, Heather cycles after him only to find that he has disappeared. A suspenseful crime novel that will appeal to fans of Nordic crime and smart, atmospheric thrillers.

The Goldenacre - a masterpiece by the painter and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh - has been given to the people of Scotland. The beautiful canvas, the last work by the artistic genius, enthrals the art world, but behind it lies a dark and violent mystery. Murder and history combine in this multi-threaded literary thriller.

The Moray Way consists of all or part of three previously existing routes: the Moray Coast Trail, the Speyside Way and the Dava Way. Together they cover a huge and varied range of landscapes.This book is the ideal guide to much of what this beautiful and richly historical part of Scotland has to offer.

The book 'Clans and Tartans of Scotland' is a captivating masterpiece penned by the renowned author, Roddy Martine. This fascinating book, published in 2022, takes you on a journey through the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and history. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the genre of cultural history. 'Clans and Tartans of Scotland' is more than just a book; it's an exploration of the vibrant clans and their unique tartans that form the backbone of Scotland. Published by Birlinn General, this book is a testament to Roddy Martine's exceptional storytelling and deep understanding of Scottish heritage. Dive into the world of Scottish clans and tartans and experience a slice of Scotland through the pages of this remarkable book.