The Hogmanay Companion [Paperback]

Hugh Douglas (Author), Keith Horrox (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

This volume reveals the origins of New Year's Eve, or Hogmanay as the Scots term has it. Hugh Douglas takes the reader from the remotest beginnings of the festival through 18th- and 19th-century developments and up to the millennium. The book explores many of the puzzling aspects of the New Year's celebrations, including: why a tall, dark stranger at midnight?; why carrying a lump of coal; and why can the first-foot never be a fair person no matter how firm a friend? The author also explores how the name "Hogmanay" was derived and what it means, and offers songs and food and drink recipes. A Hangover Helpline is also provided for those who have over-indulged!

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Hugh Douglas is a prolific author with critically acclaimed works on Robert Burns, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Flora Macdonald. He is also author of The Burns Supper Companion.

About the Author

Hugh Douglas was a prolific author with critically acclaimed works on Robert Burns, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora Macdonald. He was also author of the Burns Supper Companion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Interlink Pub Group Inc; 2nd edition (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897784937
• ISBN-13: 978-1897784938
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,262,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for planning a party. Fun to read, too., January 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hogmanay Companion (Paperback)

Whether you're from a Scottish background and have forgotten how to run New Year's Eve the Scottish way, or are merely looking for good ideas for an unusual party, this book is for you. It explains Scottish New Year's customs, includes recipes, and even has a few words to say on the horrors of clearing up afterwards.

1.0 out of 5 stars Boring, December 27, 2011

By 

John - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Hogmanay Companion: Millennium Edition (Kindle Edition)

This book was written for someone with the mind of a 5 year old. Silly and filled with information no one would have any interest in - for example, it even includes information as to how to get stains out of your carpet!, Honestly, a total waste of money.