Tales from Barra - John MacPherson

The Coddy was one of the most renowned storytellers and characters of the Western Isles at the turn of the nineteenth into the twentieth andbeyond, and was the inspiration for Compton MacKenzie's Whisky Galore. His warmth and personality shine through these stories, which are awonderful mix of myth, tradition and anecdote.This edition includes a large number of traditional tales told in the inimitable style of The Coddy, grouped in a number of themed sections:Tales of the Macneils of Barra and Other Lairds - The MacLeods of Dunvegan - The Laird of Boisdale - Stories of Olden Times - EcclesiasticalTraditions - Place-names - Tales of Treasure - Tales of Local Characters - Stories of the Politician - Stories of Sea Monsters - Fairies, SecondSight and Ghost Stories - Witchcraft.For any student of folklore, for anyone interested in the traditions and history of the islands, or for anyone who simply likes a tale well told, TheCoddy is essential reading. This edition is enhanced with a plate section consisting of period photographs of the Western Isles and informativenotes on The Coddy and his stories.