World History of Highland Games

Details

Highland Games expert Webster charts the history of the events which have been a defining feature of Scotland's identity for centuries. Uncovering the true origins behind today's traditions, Webster details the development of the gatherings from ancient Celtic roots to current international status. He examines the tradition's influence in the global sporting arena, and how Highland Games attracted mass appeal and participation long before the advent of the modern Olympics. Complemented by archival prints, lavish illustrations and beautiful photographs, this deluxe paperback book will delight anyone interested in the history and development of Highland Games around the world.

Additional Information

Title	World History of Highland Games
Author	David Webster, Photographs by Lynn Boland Richardson
Binding	BA
ISBN-13	9781906307486
No. of Pages	282
Series	N/A
Edition	N/A
Author Bio	David P Webster has been described as the leading authority on Highland Games after being involved in the sport for over fifty years. A champion in his own right and an authority at the highest level in Scottish leisure and recreational authorities, he organises and commentates at Highland gatherings in every continent. Webster officiated at Olympic Games in Rome, Mexico City and Munich and has served in numerous positions on the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland since 1957; he is now the Council's Life Vice President. He has received many national and international honours including an OBE at Buckingham Palace in 1995. A prolific writer, his books on Highland Games prove very popular. Lynn Boland Richardson is a Canadian author, historian and photographer of Scottish descent. She gained a Masters degree in History from the University of Waterloo and since 1986 has served as professional Historian for The Record newspaper in Canada. She expresses her passion for the promotion and preservation of Scottish culture within Canada through her roles as a Director for the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation and the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Lynn is a regular lecturer on Scottish related topics, including the culture of Scotch Malt Whisky, at many Highland Games throughout Canada and internationally. As a photographer specialising in historic sites and Scottish athletics and Highland Games in general, Lynn's published work can be seen in magazines, postcards, posters and greeting cards.
Back Cover Copy	For centuries upon centuries, Highland games have been a defining feature of Scotland�s identity, evolving from celebrations of the Celtic nature goddess to gatherings enjoyed by competitors and spectators worldwide. These traditional games attracted mass appeal and participation long before the advent of the modern Olympics and have influenced sport across the world. In Scotland today the games are hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. Highland games now take place in numerous countries outwith Scotland, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Germany. This book examines Highland games from their roots to the present day. In doing so the colour and vivacity of the games are beautifully captured, as is the identity of a people.
Reviews	David Webster heads the list of strength historians. BILL PEARL, Legends of the Iron Game
Table of Contents	CHAPTER 1 In the Distant Past CHAPTER 2 Saintly Games: St Fillans and St Ronan's CHAPTER 3 The Lady of the Lake CHAPTER 4 Laggan's Royal Games CHAPTER 5 The Atholl Gathering and Games CHAPTER 6 Spreading the Gospel CHAPTER 7 Rory of the Hammer CHAPTER 8 Canada's Best All-Rounder CHAPTER 9 The Celtic Gathering CHAPTER 10 The Best-Dressed Highlander CHAPTER 11 Ceremonial for Highland Gatherings CHAPTER 12 Queen Victoria's Highlanders CHAPTER 13 Caledonian Club of San Francisco Highland Games CHAPTER 14 Olympic Inspiration in Paris CHAPTER 15 War Games CHAPTER 16 Pipers and Piping CHAPTER 17 Scotland's Superb Dances and Dancers CHAPTER 18 'An Ancient, Manly and Friendly Game' CHAPTER 19 Great Scott! A Speedie Competitor and Big Mac CHAPTER 20 Wrestling at the Highland Games CHAPTER 21 The Heavy Events CHAPTER 22 Heavies Who Made History CHAPTER 23 Donald Dinnie CHAPTER 24 The Heavy Brigade CHAPTER 25 Icons of Highland Games CHAPTER 26 21st-Century Champions - Biographies of the Best CHAPTER 27 Highland Games Heavy Events Championships CHAPTER 28 The Games' Golden Girls CHAPTER 29 Wider Horizons CHAPTER 30 Conclusion
BISAC Subject	SPORTS & RECREATION / General
BIC Subject	Sporting events & management

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