SCOTLAND HISTORY

Scotch Whisky: A Liquid History by Charles MacLean

Synopsis
This is the definitive history of whisky, written by Scotland’s leading writer on the subject and Editor at Large of Whisky magazine. Superb illustrations and entertaining anecdotes bring to life storied names such as John Walker and Sons, Glenlivet, Macallan, and many others. From the origins of distilling in China to the temperance movement of the 1800s to the modern-day operations of a thriving national industry, this is a treasure trove for the whisky connoisseur or anyone interested in a seriously good read.

The Haggis: A Little History by Clarissa Dickson Wright

Synopsis
The author, one of the "Two Fat Ladies" of television cookbook fame, handles the history of the haggis with aplomb in this little cookbook. Haggis, for the unititated, is a dish commonly made in a sheep’s maw, of minced lungs, hearts, and liver of the same animal. However, the haggis is much more than a mere meal. The haggis, or some version of it, may be found in the histories of countries as varied as ancient Greece, Sweden, and the United States. Yet the haggis is most closely associated with Scotland and has come to represent that country just as pasta represents Italy. Scotland may thank its beloved bard, Robert Burns, for this. Burns immortalized the dish in perhaps his best-known poem, "Address to the Haggis." In it, he refers to the haggis as the "Great Chieftan o’ the Puddin’-race!" How far the haggis had come! Originally a meal of the lower classes who could not afford to waste any edible portion of their livestock, the haggis mysteriously transformed into a delicacy deemed worthy of royalty. Queen Victoria, an enthusiast for most all things Scottish, said of the haggis, "I find I like it very well."

A Double Scotch: How Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet Became Global Icons by F. Paul Pacult

Synopsis
A Double Scotch tells the intertwined success stories of Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet—two Scotch whisky brands recognized the world-over for their unparalleled quality. Founded by Scottish grocers from Aberdeen, Chivas Regal stands as the world’s most popular prestige blended Scotch. First distilled by a pistol-packing Highlander, The Glenlivet is today the top-selling single-malt Scotch in America. F. Paul Pacult explores these two iconic spirits and tells the remarkable story of the two families who endured numerous hardships to build their brands. A business book that goes down easy, A Double Scotch tells the story of the world’s favorite whiskies, and the story of the nation and families that made them so.