The Gaelic Otherworld: Superstitions Of The Highlands And Islands Of Scotland And Witchcraft & Second Sight In The Highlands & Islands [Paperback]

Ronald Black (Author), John Gregorson Campbell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2005

John Gregorson Campbell (1836-91) was one of a number of outstanding folklorists who collected and published the traditions of their native Highlands and Islands during the second half of the nineteenth century and the first few years of the twentieth. In addition to a trail-blazing introduction which places these Highland beliefs firmly in their social context, Ronald Black provides substantial explanatory endnotes and a comprehensive new index, all of which allow The Gaelic Otherworld to take its proper place as a classic of world folklore.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Gregorson Campbell became minister of Tiree in 1861 and faithfully served the people of that island for the rest of his life. His appointment to the parish was against the wishes of the congregation, probably because they knew of, and disapproved of, his very unhealthy interest in superstitions, witchcraft and second sight. Ronald Black was until recently Senior Lecturer in Celtic at Edinburgh University. He is Gaelic editor of The Scotsman. He has written numerous articles and also edited An Tuil, an anthology of twentieth century Gaelic verse, which was received with enormous critical acclaim in 1999. Ronald Black lives in Peebles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 753 pages
• Publisher: Birlinn Ltd (May 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841582077
• ISBN-13: 978-1841582078
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,863,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vital for Gaelic Traditions, August 3, 2007

By 

Laoiseach - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gaelic Otherworld: Superstitions Of The Highlands And Islands Of Scotland And Witchcraft & Second Sight In The Highlands & Islands (Paperback)

Extensive collection of folklore and folk customs, this is a very important book that deserves a place on the book shelf of everyone interested in Gaelic (or general Celtic) traditions. Like the Carmina Gadelica and the Silver Bough, this gives a rare look into the daily spiritual practices of the region. If you're only buying two or three Gaelic books, this should be one of them.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Useful, March 14, 2006

By 

S. parker "Ian Corrigan" (Madison, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Gaelic Otherworld: Superstitions Of The Highlands And Islands Of Scotland And Witchcraft & Second Sight In The Highlands & Islands (Paperback)

We can thank the editors and publishers of this book for bringing it to light. I'd say this rates with Carmina Gadelica and The Silver Bough as source material on Gaelic culture and magical lore. Black's introduction puts the provenance of the material in clear perspective. Even if the author's research has flaws, this is a fascinating collection. Those working to build new things from the lumber of 18th and 19th century Scots lore will find a trove of ideas.