After his retirement from a career in medicine, Donald Macdonald turned
his acute and wide-ranging mind to the study of the history and
traditions of his native Lewis. Despite suffering from severe
osteoarthritis, he was extremely active in the social and cultural life
of the island, and contributed numerous articles to the "Stornoway
Gazette". However, much of his collection of tales, legends and history
remained in private circulation until after his death in 1961, when his
wife Emily arranged for the publication of this volume. With over sixty
essays on people, places and tradition, it reveals the full range of the
author's erudition, and is informed by his love and deep knowledge of
his native island. To read through or simply to dip into this collection
is a fascinating experience for anyone who loves Scotland and her
islands.