George Mackay Brown Knihy

Zadumaně krásné Orkneje u břehů Skotska představují „ostrovy plovoucí k severu“ a jejich zneuctěný aristokrat ducha Magnus Erlendson se na nich konečně dočkal statutu svatého mučedníka a patrona. George Mackay Brown převyprávěl ságu o tomto středověkém šlechtici – mimo jiné figurujícím ve folkloru této výspy Evropy jako nemrtvý přízrak – s odvahou, jež se směle měří se zanícenými výkony dávných bardů s harfou. Zásluhou magického realismu čechraného skoupým slunkem, všudypřítomnou slanou vodou i úklady starými jako lidstvo samo zjišťujeme, že dvanácté století nebylo na Orknejích ani pod nadvládou Norů zdaleka pouze „temné“, neboť vše se tak jako tak vrací v kruzích a nad zbídačelým krajem znovu zavládne světlo. Vroucná báj o narození, prozření, smrti a zmrtvýchvstání krajana-mírotvorce vede k docenění rodné země: pravlasti dobra i všeho vnitřního utrpení, kterého hrouda pod našima nohama poznala daleko víc, než každý z nás v životě zjistí. George Mackay Brown převyprávěl ságu o středověkém šlechtici – mimo jiné figurujícím ve folkloru této výspy Evropy jako nemrtvý přízrak – s odvahou, jež se směle měří se zanícenými výkony dávných bardů s harfou.

The first collection of stories published by George Mackay Brown, this volume includes 14 stories arising from both ancient and modern life on the island of Orkney.

From the early 1960s to the late 1980s, George Mackay Brown wrote new Christmas poems which were printed on cards sent to his close family or friends, or, as the years went on, he designed his own cards, commissioning art from friends and family and again including original verse compositions. This book reproduces all the known cards, the majority of which were found in the possession of his niece living in Stromness, George's home town throughout most of his life. They are a complete delight and will be a must for all of Mackay Brown's numerous and devoted followers. But they also open a door into this remarkable man's life which will have an appeal to an audience far beyond the shores of Orkney at Christmas time.

Light wear to the covers. Shipped from the UK in recyclable card packaging.

One hundred fifty aerial photographs show Scotland's hills, islands, lochs, harbors, rivers, lighthouses, castles, ruins, cathedrals, towns, factories, and gardens

Set against the harsh background of Orkney, this collection of stories tells of fishermen, crofters, farmers and tinkers and how they live out their lives. The author succeeds in writing in a style that takes the reader into the realm of the mystical.

This book takes the reader on a journey from Orkney, over to Norway, into Iceland and Ireland, recreating with historical accuracy the customs and landscapes of the time while bringing the age to life through a large cast of engaging characters. Through the telling of Ranald's story, Mackay Brown displays abundant knowledge about many facets of early Orkney life, of seamanship, marriage customs, beliefs and traditions and his portrayal of this age extends to the routine of the Norwegian Royal court. Traditional poetry is scattered throughout Mackay Brown's prose adding a richness and depth to the tale he tells. Lore and legend, the elemental pull of the sea and the land, the sweetness of the early religion and the darker, more ancient rites, weave through this exquisite celebration of Orcadian history and the inexorable seasons of life.

Christmas Stories gathers together some of the previously unpublished winter themed and Christmas stories that Mackay Brown either published separately in newspapers, or included in limited edition book printings, together with some of his previously published stories. They all possess the extraordinary Orcadian voice that can only be be George Mackay Brown. They take the reader to another time, another universe, and will brighten any reader's Christmas season

First published in 1969, An Orkney Tapestry, George Mackay Brown's seminal work, is a unique look at Orkney through the eye of a poet and a celebration of Orkney's people, language and history. Unavailable for many years, this new edition has a specially commissioned Introduction written by Kirsteen McCue and Linden Bicket.

Light wear to the covers. Shipped from the UK in recyclable card packaging.