Iona Island Guide (Colin Baxter Island Guides) [Hardcover]

E. Mairi MacArthur (Author), Colin Baxter (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: Colin Baxter Island Guides | Publication Date: March 1997

This is a comprehensive look at this beautiful island steeped in religious history. This book explores the history, folklore, and landscape of this island.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Will justly take a place among the major reference works on island history." -- The Herald

"A first-rate piece of historical research which impressively combines a whole range of investigative techniques in a highly imaginative way... I hope that some at least of Iona's countless visitors will read this book." -- The Scotsman

"MacArthur offers a fine mix of historical insight and personal sensitivity. As a study of Iona this book must be definitive." -- Radical Scotland

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

E. Mairi MacArthur is author of several books including Columba's Island (Edinburgh, 1995).

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Colin Baxter (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1900455110
• ISBN-13: 978-1900455114
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,949,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent text and marvellous photography - a real treat!, April 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Iona Island Guide (Colin Baxter Island Guides) (Hardcover)

This is one of the few books that does justice to Iona, an island that has enchanted and captivated visitors for, literally, thousands of years. It is truly difficult to convey the elusive magic of Iona, that combination of physical place and atmosphere which draws so many of us back, time after time. Colin Baxter needs no introduction to those familiar with landscape photography in Scotland, and his work here is up to his usual breath-taking standard. Mairi MacArthur has a solid grounding in the history of the island, and of Argyll and the Highlands, as well as a sympathetic but honest perspective on islanders, past and present. As a guide during your visit to Iona, the book is first-rate. The maps and diagrams are simple but clear and full. The explanations and descriptions help you understand what you see around you, in terms of geology, ecology, human settlements, animal and human life - and including of course the ancient religious centre. It is readable and useful for those less familiar with Scotland and its life and traditions as well as for those of us who live here For those who have visited Iona, it is a lovely reminder. For those who have not yet had that privilege, this is a taster which should have you itching to come.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine guide to one of Scotland's richest historical sites., November 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Iona Island Guide (Colin Baxter Island Guides) (Hardcover)

This book is the latest of Mairi MacArthur's books on her family's native island. It is rich in accurate, well-researched detail, supported by her extensive knowledge of Iona. This has been gained through academic research and through her close acquaintance with the island's residents over many years. Colin Baxter's photographs give an excellent impression of Iona, though generally when on its best behaviour in the summer - it can be a wild place at other times! The island is of interest to tourists, academics and also Christian people wishing to explore this small and incredibly beautiful island, and to see for themselves the place where some of those rugged Celtic saints brought their faith from Ireland to Scotland in the sixth century. The pictures and story of the Abbey show how it remains very much a living home of the Christian faith. It will surely also appeal to the generations of Iona emigrants who have settled in the USA and Canada.

5.0 out of 5 stars Iona review, April 12, 2009

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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Iona (Colin Baxter Island Guides) (Hardcover)

Iona is a wonderful book. The text is informative, interesting and well-written, and the photographs are great! Whether you are planning a trip or have already been there, it's a must.