For those golf oriented travelers (and for that matter, even for the non-golfer), Allan Ferguson created a practical and easy to read guide to travel and golf in Scotland. It shatters the myth that only specialty golf packages can really provide a memorable 'Scotish golf experience.'

The book is structured in a logical and useful manner and provides excellent tips and suggestions. For the un-initiated, the actual tips on travel, including such mundane things such as how to make phone calls there, a check list on thing to pack, and even where and how to rent a car, were very useful. Included were suggestions on how to budget for the trip and even included mini-tours and descriptions to help create itineraries. His profiles of some 60 courses are clear, accurate and useful.

The first trip abroad creates the most excitement, and anxiety. This book was written in a comfortable and straight forward manner. Having been able to read the book, plan the trip and actually put it to use gave me a lot of appreciation for the effort that went into it. I recommend this book for golf enthusiasts who are planning a trip to Scotland and willing to take a little time to save some real money.

Anyone who goes to Scotland to play golf without reading this book is missing so so much. I have made two trips to Scotland to play golf. The first was through a travel agent, the second one was with the help of Allan and his book. This book not only covers every last detail of any trip, but every word in it is from first hand experience on Allan's part. By reading this book, you are able to customize your trip exactly the way you want to. I can honestly say that I would not have changed one thing about our trip because we were able to choose what we wanted based on Allan's experiences. Although this book was meant to help plan a trip to Scotland, I can tell you that it is even more fun to read after you return. It is great fun reading about the places you have been and getting another person's view of them. Don't miss out. This book will save you thousands of dollars. So as Allan says " Why would anyone want to stay at a big hotel when you could stay at a 300 year old coaching inn and eat the cooking of the chef who used to cook for the swells- all at less than half the price."

My wife and I have taken two great britian golf trips over the last two years (scotland and ireland), both arranged by one of the major tour companies. Never again. Golf in Scotland gives you all of the information you need to sucessfully plan a golf trip to Scotland...and it can be fun too! The tips in the book are very valuable as are the lists of contact information. In a little over a week, we were able to confirm airline reservations, a car, 12 rounds of confirmed tee times (including St. Andrews-Old Course), and hotel accomodations. We talked to some of the sweetest people at these various establishments, who were very helpful in making our plans work. I play as a single golfer, which is an advantage, as many courses are able to add me to an existing group, but the fact you are traveling with a larger group should not disuade you. You just need to plan further ahead. Don't be afraid to take a shot at this, as the savings are significant. We have saved over 40% over a very comparable trip two years ago and I am able to play many of the rota courses (turnberry, troon, carnoustie, and the old course). Read the book and get started! It's one of the greatest places to play on the planet.

The discovery by Americans of single-malt whisky back in the 80's and 90's was one of the most interesting stories in the food and beverage market ever. This event by itself probably prevented a number of distilleries from closing, and several, such as the great Ardbeg, which had been moth-balled, were perhaps reopened as a result.

Some great but lesser known malts, like Edradour, found new appreciation for their tiny output abroad. Edradour, for example, produces less in a year than some distilleries do in a week, like Tomatin (the Edradour distillery only has 3 employees and only makes 2 barrels a week). Others, such as the Islays like Lagavulin, Laphroaig, and Bowmore, and even the oddly dual-natured Caol Isla, with its both sweetish and phenolic character, were already known in Scotland but garnered new fans here in America. As in Scotland, the Islays are not to everybody's taste, but I know people here who will hardly touch a drop of anything else--an amazing testament to the enthusiasm that has developed in America even for the stronger and more exotic malts. And probably no book did more to make that happen than Jackson's great little books on single-malt scotch.

On a personal note, sometimes even the Scots themselves failed to appreciate how far American sensibilities had come with respect to single malts. I had the experience 20 years ago, when still a young man, of sitting in a bar at the south end of Loch Lommond, and having a well-meaning bartender refuse to serve me some Laphroaig. He insisted on giving me Royal Brackla from an old bottle, itself a great malt. But he thought this young American didn't know what he was asking for, and I think he was worried he might do in a perfectly good, paying customer with a draught of the pungent, phenolic, peaty, and iodine-tasking Laphroaig.

These books taught me a lot and I have all 3 editions. They're great for learning to appreciate the particular aspects and flavors of a malt, and as I've been tasting single-malts for 20 years, I've found Mr. Jackson's descriptions to be very accurate and informative. In many cases, after learning from his description, I was able to go on and detect things that weren't even in the book--a great testament to his skill as a teacher and writer. Without his guidance, I wouldn't have been able to educate my sense of taste nearly as expertly.

There is no better way to learn about single malts than to take samples of several malts and then taste and compare them using this book. After you're tasted a couple of dozen malts you should be able to get a good sense of what's going on and be able to go on from there.

A good way to do this is to pick a couple of classic malts from each category, say a couple of lowlands, a couple of highlands or Speysides, and a couple of Islays, and taste them alongside each other with this book. Some of the malts are just so unique or special that they deserve tasting by themselves--as in the case of Clynelish and Highland Park, or Caol Isla and Talisker, or the often overlooked but wonderful lowland malt, Littlemill, with its sweet cocoanut, English toffee, and creme de caramel flavors.

Well, I could go on for a while about interesting things to do for tastings, but I will leave the rest of that to you, hopefully by way of this book, except for one last recommendation. The great Victorian connoisseur and single-malt scotch authority Professor Shaftsbury considered mixing together some Clynelish and Longmorn to be possibly the greatest drink in the world. So you might give it a try sometime and see what you think. Good luck and happy tasting!

This guide is to Scotch what Wine Spectator is to wine and Cigar Aficionado is to cigars. Complete with introductory chapters on the making of Scotch whisky, detailed entries with ratings and tasting notes, and advice on proper Scotch appreciation, this book is a necessary addition to the library of any person serious about Scotch whisky. Though the reader may not personally agree with Jackson's preference for peatier malts (I personally like them myself), s/he will still find enough fairness in the narrative reviews to make a proper decision on whether a bottle is worth buying. Don't taste a dram without consulting this book!

I consider myself an above-average (although by no means an expert) fan of Scottish single malts, and I own several books on the subject. I find "Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch" to be the most comprehensive, intelligible and above-all useful book in my whisky library.

While no book can take the place of sitting down and doing some tastings, buying whisky by the glass for tasting can be prohibitively expensive. If you are buying by the bottle, it becomes an even greater investment, and figuring out your individual tastes will be a considerable investment. Michael Jackson's guide goes a long way in the selection process, leading you to the whiskys most likely to meet your pallet. Each whisky is outlined, explained and graded. It will at least give you an idea of what to expect when approaching an unfamiliar label.

This book definitely falls into the "If you only own one book about single malt..." category.

I thought Bill Watkins would find it hard to top his first book "A Celtic Childhood" but he's done it! "Scotland Is Not For the Squeamish" is a rip-roaring, 'seat of the pants' adventure that will thrill Scotophiles and armchair travelers alike. His discriptions of Scotland and its hardy people sing out from the page in crackling poetic imagery. History and song blend to fill the reader with salty tales of the high seas and earthy stories of everyday life in pre-oil boom Aberdeen and the magical city of Edinburgh. Though his contorted trail takes him up mountains and down mine shafts, panning gold in the Highlands and fishing for cod in the Arctic, he entertains another ambition; to become a Druid! See how he gets on in this feast of a book. Hurry up and write the next one, Bill. I can hardly wait to see what happens next!

Bill Watkins' second book is at least as good as the first('A Celtic Childhood'), and continues the 'History of Bill' through his young adulthood with great adventure in Scotland('Course, he has to get there first). I rated this book five out of fibe stars only because that is the limit. It's easily a 10!

How long has it been since you've read a book that captured you on the first page and didn't release you until the last? If it's been a long time since you have experienced that supreme pleasure, buy a copy of this book and head for a comfortable chair--you won't be moving for a while.

Bill Watkins has an amazing talent for combining poetic storytelling with well-timed humor and a bit of mystery. Whether he's telling about Pete the Poisoner (you have to read the book to find out about him), Adolf Hitler or King James, the reader always finds out something unexpected, and it's all learned on a merry romp through Scotland. The author's adventures alternately terrify and pacify; the people he meets show that he's an equal opportunity friend; and his good-humored spirit is always evident. Anyone who reads this second book of Watkins's trilogy should be prepared to laugh a lot and maybe shed a few tears, but most of all, enjoy an incredibly worthwhile book. One more thing--when you finish the book, hang on to it. You'll probably want to read it again.

I accidently "rediscovered" this book a couple months ago, and it captivated me the second read as much as it had the first. The first time I read it, it had so much impact that 3 or 4 years and probably 100s of books later (yes, I read a lot) it was one book that I always remembered, even when I couldn't remember the title or author. When I accidently found it again while browsing the library book shelves, it was like finding an old friend! This book has an excellent and realistic portrayl of life in medieval Scotland, and really brings you into a different world. But also, the story is just really interesting and the characters are very well written. I loved seeing several years in Meg's life unfold and whatever was happening to her was always interesting to me, from the whale adventure, to sailing, to the witch sorcery, to living with Davy's family, to the actual 'quest for the maid' itself.

I definatly reccommend this book to anyone interested in medieval times or Scotland, or someone who just likes a good story with adventure and a bit a romance. Though, if you are a reader who only likes really fast-paced books, it might not be for you, since while it does have exciting adventure parts, some parts are slower.

Reading this a age 11 changed my life. I was forever obsessed with the middle ages, and this filled every craving for my infatuation with Scotland, leaving me only desiring a sequel. Quest for a Maid is my favorite book, and I have read it over thirteen times, never tiring of it. I'm on the edge of my seat every time, and can never put it down once started. Words cannot express the wonder and magic of this book, with its quirky characters and hauntingly beautiful storyline full of humanity and suspense. More than a masterpiece, this book is comfort food for the soul.

This book surprised me and drew me in from the opening line, "When I was nine years old, I hid under the table and heard my sister kill a king." How could anyone resist an opening like that? Quest for a Maid follows its own guidelines about how a fantasy should be written. The evil villainess in this book is also the main character's idol. Our heroine has no magical powers or battle skills, only her wits and courage. Much of the book describes Meg's childhood, which lends the book a kind of innocence to contrast against the elder sister's intrigues. Meg, Davie, and Peem form an adventuresome and loyal trio. You may even find yourself liking the evil villain, though we see little of what she does. Much of this book is written phonetically, but after you get used to it, you'll find yourself thinking in a Scottish accent. This book will make you think twice about love, sin, and redemption. A rare book. Read and enjoy.

Dorothy Dunnett continues to impress me. I'm a big fan of Dumas and his trilogies. Dunnett comes darn close to his writing. Her books are engrossing, weave a great story, and draw me in more each time I read another book. This is the third in the Lymond Chronicles series. It is very well written. I enjoy how the story stands on its own but also weaves into the first two books. If you have the time, read the entire series from start to finish. I'm looking forward to reading the next one! I also can't wait to get into her House of Niccolo series. This book, and series, is well worth a read!

Good for you if you've made it to this, book three in the Lymond series. This is the best series I have read in a long time. It is so worth reading! The book is action-packed and thre are so many plot twists and turns that you have to be extremely sharp to follow them all. Make the effort and take the time, and you will not be disappointed. For anyone who loves adventure books this series cannot be beat. I can't wait to read Book Four, and the other two books in the series, but it will be sad when my adventure is over. Lucky you if your adventure is just beginning.

If you've made it to this, book number three in the series, you are no doubt an Lymond addict like me. This book was yet another incredible "fix" in my terrible, obsessive craving for more of Lymond and his heart stopping adventures. I am an impatient soul by nature. And because my time is limited, I loathe the thought of seeing a movie twice and it has never crossed my mind to re-read any book, no matter how good. This all ended when I discovered the Lymond Chronicles. I not only (happily) read and reread passages of each book (often by necessity to puzzle out the complex plots) as I am reading it but as soon as I finish a book in the series I want to start rereading it, and the entire series, right away. These books are like a drug. I cannot get enough of them. They are the most wondrous, satisfying reading experience I have ever had.

Disorderly Knights made me laugh so hard, especially Lymond's early escapade with not a small number of sheep. Knights made me cringe during Lymond's terrible beating (particularly since he had known this torture as a galley slave). And, Knights took my breath away with its exciting, brilliantly staged climax with Gabriel.

Does this book live up to its promise to present a simplified method of Fair Isle knitting? And is there something for either the new knitter or the experienced? The answer is YES to all these questions. Here's why.

1. This book focuses on the development of the Philosopher's Wool yarns and is written by the owners of that company. It provides wonderful photographs of their distinctive designs and very excellent instructions for re-creating the attractive sweaters.

2. In addition to patterns, there are lavish illustrations, clearly drawn, showing the tubular knitting technique, whereby sweaters are knit seamlessly in the round and then cut to create open jacket fronts and button-down vests. This is similar to the Norwegian method of knitting, and well described with excellent hints.

3. The yarns (admittedly all Philosopher's Wool products) are appealingly presented to show colorways. If you aren't going to knit one of their projects, or if you don't succumb to the temptation to buy their wool, you can use these colorways with any other yarns. The photographs of yarns and model sweaters are really excellent. The book format is large, so the photos are detailed and beautifully rendered.

4. The concept of random yarn changes to create a complicated colorwork background, which is used by such top designers as Kaffe Fassett, is well described and charted. In particular, the Trillium sweater shows how to change yarns on a foreground flower and background stripe to achieve a sophisticated look that belies the relative simplicity of the technique.

The story of how this Ontario couple started their successful business is inspiring to read. Even though this book is geared to their own wool and designs, anyone who likes to do colorwork knitting can use the techniques and examples given in this book to branch out on their own ideas. In summary, a book of useful techniques for colorwork knitting that can be applied to other types of yarns, if you choose.

This is a well ilustrated book on multiple color knitting for the novice as well as skilled knitter. The approach used in their video tape "The Original Philospher's Two-Handed Fair Isle and Other Stories is shown here in sequential steps which should make it very easy for someone to learn to weave and carry one color in each hand. Photographs demonstrate how their eleven color families can be used in various designs to completely change the appearance of a sweater. Simple instructions are presented for knitting in the round and steeking to make the tubular construction into cardigans.Patterns are not just limited to the traditional Fair Isle but extend into geometric shapes and color shifting forms seen in the Fin and Feather design. This is one of the best books to come on the market in reference to technique and color.

I had been meaning to attend one of Ann & Eugene's seminars, if I ever got the chance, when a friend bought this book for me. It is delightful--fun reading, beautifully presented, and so far (halfway up the body tube of my first real sweater, with a completed doll cardigan to show that I could indeed do this) the instructions have been exceptionally clear and easy to follow. For all the beauty of the sweaters presented, I think the book would be appropriate for a near-beginning knitter (I'm not a pro myself), as they present a very simple method for knitting a basic sweater, letting the simple fair-isle technique and the colors do all the work. I was a little (OK, a lot) fumbly at first, as they promised, but sure enough, within a few evenings I had it down.

For those that have read the book and wondered, as I did, if Eugene ever did get to grow those mushrooms...I had the opportunity to ask in person, and the answer is no, the township wouldn't allow it. So the book's one loose end has now been "woven in," so to speak.

I read this book years ago and have always loved it. The book has enough historical detail to entertain anyone who loves history and romance. The characters are strong and mostly likable,their lives seem to be like everyone else's. The only thing I did not like was there was no closure. The reader is left with feeling that they have to find out what happened to Jane and Thomas.Ciji Ware certainly left this one open.

I picked up this book never expecting it to be such an entriging love story. However, when I got into it, I could not put it down. I have never been interested in the British perspective on the American Revoltution, but the story of Jane Maxwell, Thomas Fraser and the Duke of Gordon was gripping. My fasination with this story is sorting out what was real and what was fiction. I have tried, rather successfully to research Alexander, the 4th Duke of Gordon. I was able to pinpoint several facts in history, but haven't been too successful with the characters. Does anyone know? The author details in the back of the book her exhaustive search for her Scottish linage to Jane Maxwell, but I was just curious how much was true. Great book, I loved it and will probably reread it again.

I am a latecomer to the novels of Ciji Ware, but very impressed with her ability to richly depict characters and places. I have personally visited the Island of the Swans, and thoroughly hiked in the area in which her book is set. Ms. Ware has a historian's love of accuracy, and her descriptions of Struy, Loch an Eilean, the River Spey, Culloden House (where I have sojourned many times), etc. are absolutely perfect. I was transported, once again to that delightful corner of the world.

I feel like SIMON COWELL and I'm sorry, but I just don't see what was so great about this book. It was boring and the plot was very weak. Need I say more? Well, I will. I usually love this author.

This book was the first one I had ever read by Julie Garwood. Now, I own ever book she ever wrote. Jamie and Alec marry on order of their respective kings, but fall in love on the order of their hearts. Jamie is a strong heroine, stubborn and loyal to her heart. Alec is a typical Highland warrior who has a lot to learn about women. Jamie is more than willing to instruct him. A secret enemy threatens their tender love If youre tired of weepy weak heroines, you'll love this book.Its one of the reasons I love Ms Garwood's stories. Her characters are women who have experience pain but have become stronger for it. The men are strong and stubborn as well.. but also learn what it means to love completely. The romance is secondary to the story and ususally occurs after marrage. Her storys are historically factual, and painted vibrantly. Also, if youre like me, you'll want to read more about Jamie and Alec. They show up again as support characters in the book, The Wedding. (Thanks Julie for letting me know what has happened in my "family's " life.)

Julie Garwood is truly an amazing writer. She manages to enfuse, charm, humor, love, adventure, passion and so much more into her stories. The Bride was truely no exception. Jamie is such a charming character who maintains her head-strong personality throughout, even when she is first married to Alec and knows nothing of him. Her hilarious misadventures will have you laughing till you cry and her strength of will will make you proud to be a woman. Garwood portrays Alec wonderfully as a strongly passionate man and leader while showing his lovable side through his tolerance and amusement in Jamie's antics. He's the type of man every woman would feel safe with and yet not controlled. Jamie is constantly persuading him to let her have his way and he keeps telling himself that it is the last time he'll bend to her will, but he often obliges her wishes, finally realizing how much he loves her. But what will happen when her English betrothed comes to claim her?

Denise Mina's first novel, GARNETHILL, is a good and honest crime novel. Her main character is Maureen O'Donnell, an emotionally battered woman, who is trying to gain control of her own life after recuperating from a nervous breakdown months before. She is working on a dead end job that she hates and found out recently that her lover, Douglas, is married. That day she decides to get drunk before going home to bed. When she wakes up the next morning with a hangover, she discovers Douglas tied to a chair and with his throat slit.

Maureen has very few people to stand up for her. The police are having trouble believing her story and are suspicious of her actions. She is estranged from her family due to an incident in her past as well as having an alcoholic mother. Ms. Mina does a good job relating O' Donnell's dysfunctional family showing the family dynamic and how everybody is willing to think the worst of Maureen without giving her the benefit of the doubt. Douglas was a doctor where Maureen was recuperating from her breakdown and having an affair with him. The whole book shows how the main character does not wish to become a victim and fighting tooth and nail for it. She becomes very defensive about her past and tries not to take any guff from anybody. She becomes so frustrated with everybody that she decides to do an investigation herself.

The main problem I faced with the novel is the resolution of the crime. I am not spoiling the book, but the problem I had was with the culprit (or guilty party) involved in Douglas' murder. There was no satisfying, clear-cut explanation for why that character committed its actions. It left me with several questions that will not be answered in this book. I think that this is something that makes GARNETHILL a better book. It forces one to focus more on Maureen O'Donnell's character than with her surroundings or supporting cast.

I am looking forward to read Ms. Mina's second novel, EXILE. This book marks the return of Maureen and hopefully it might answer some of the questions I might have from this book.

Here is a mystery with splendidly conceived characters, a plot like a snake that winds sinuously in and out of dark places, and a powerful sense of place. The Glaswegian manners of speech and terms of affection (hen, pet) are rendered with kindness and humor. It's literally one of those books that you can't put down.

I have just one quibble: Why did the author feel it necessary to muddy the waters by introducing the issue of recovered memories/false memory syndrome? For those unfamiliar with the tragic, and ongoing, repercussions of the recovered memory craze (from the mid-80s to the latter part of the 90s), the issue won't be clarified by Denise Mina's tinkering with her heroine's history. She gives Maureen (one of the spunkiest, most likable characters I've read in ages) a history that contends she actually forgot egregious sexual abuse by her father. Initially, it appears as if there was only one occasion of abuse. But as the book progresses, it transpires this was a long-term ongoing thing.

With all due respect to Ms. Mina, people simply do not forget, wipe out, or otherwise misplace recall of repeated sexual abuse. There are legions of us who dearly wish that were possible. So while she's got the emotions and the details just right of how an abuse victims thinks and behaves, she's got this part wrong. And it's something that isn't even essential to the plot of this book. A large number of families of sexually abused people refuse to believe the truth. It wasn't necessary to include recovered memories in order to paint Maureen O'Donnell's family in dark shades. Their characters are so well drawn that the darkness is there, and denial is central to disfynctional families.

Fortunately, the author doesn't overdo this issue. But it was of concern to me to see that, according to her biographical material, she is currently researching a book on false memory syndrome. That smacks of obsession, which is a pity, because her sympathy for the dispossessed, the disturbed and the victimized is everywhere evident in her work. It would be a shame to see another book from this talented author that, again, beats a dead horse.

Garnethill is otherwise a great reading experience, with characters I'd certainly like to see again.

THis is a very good debut novel. it is assured, the writing is punchy. However, it sometimes lacks a certain depth, and, personally, i feel that this is an overhyped book.

The characters have been praised. Yes, they are quirky, yes they are realistic. But at times they annoyed me. And at others some of them just seemed too wooden. (Liam, Benny, Winnie, Una, for example.) They are given quirks to make them real, but that is not quite enough. Nonetheless, this is a very enjoyable novel, with a good dark plot, and a strong atmosphere of the underbelly of Glasgow, and of life.

It is certaibnly impressive. She deals with her issues (namely abuse in many forms) well, and writes with a brutal and blunt compassion. I would reccomend this book, yes. As a must-read? No, not really. But, this is part of a trilogy. And it is a debut novel. Writing generally always improves with experience. So, this is some very good stuff, but what does that mean about the forthcoming books in the series???

I have very high hopes of it. Despite its flaws (and they are not all that numerous) i do like it a great deal.

I hate to be a spoil sport since so many comments about Dunnett have been so effusive- however, I have to be honest and admit that I just don't get it. The plot lines are very confusing and the characters are not well enough developed to identify with. In Game of Kings Lymond communicates solely by spouting erudite witticisms in various languages. Every uttered sentence is either joking, tongue in cheek or nebulous in some way. I never felt for one moment that I understood this character. In fact, there is almost a comical aspect of the larger-than-life adventures that undermines the historical accuracy. Another problem is that Dunnett uses a lexicon that is so archaic and erudite that it becomes annoying after a while. I never thought that I would ever feel this way about a book since I love a good challenging read. This is over the top! I started reading this series in the sincere hope that I would discover something as wonderful and entrancing as the Patric O'Brian novels, I have been sorely disappointed. To tell the truth, I had to stop reading Queen's Play after the first few chapters.

A friend lent me her much loved copies of "The Disorderly Knights" and then "Queen's Play" and I've been hooked on this series ever since. It has a richness of prose and depth of character that set it apart from the average hero story. It also has an intriguing plot line and an interesting view of Renaissance politics. All six books fit smoothly together with a tasteful use of foreshadowing. This is perhaps the slowest moving book of the series, but I find that each time I re-read this I enjoy it more. I would recommend starting at the beginning (with A Game of Kings) instead of in the middle and out of order, as I did. While each book is self-contained, there are enough references to previous incidents to make following the series order worthwhile. This is the series I always recommend when a meet someone who TRULY loves to read. I can't say enough good things about it.

I love Dunnett books because the characters are so well developed, and the plot so intricate yet discernable, I read in awed admiration. I have been fooled by the plot twists so many times, I have now come to expect it, and just smile when I see that I had been totally wrong yet agian. Dunnett has such a profound understanding of history and the human nature of both her characters and readers, that the story lives in my mind stronger than any movie that I have ever seen. I recommend this series to everyone, even if you don't speak French and Latin. It's worth the effort.