About this ebook
Excerpt: "It is an odd thing, chance—the one element to baffle the logician and make the scheming of the wisest look as foolish in the long run as the sandy citadel a child builds upon the shore without any thought of the incoming tide. A strange thing, chance; and but for chance I might this day be the sheriff of a shire, my head stuffed with the tangled phrase and sentiment of interlocutors, or maybe no more than an advocate overlooked, sitting in John's Coffeehouse in Edinburgh—a moody soured man with a jug of claret, and cursing the inconsistencies of preferment to office. I might have been that, or less, if it had not been for so trifling a circumstance as the burning of an elderly woman's batch of scones. Had Mistress Grant a more attentive eye to her Culross griddle, what time the scones for her lodgers, breakfast were a-baking forty years ago, I would never have fled furth my native land in a mortal terror of the gallows: had her griddle, say, been higher on the swee-chain by a link or two, Paul Greig would never have foregathered with Dan Risk, the blackguard skipper of a notorious craft; nor pined in a foreign jail; nor connived, unwitting, at a prince's murder; nor marched the weary leagues of France and fought there on a beggar's wage. And this is not all that hung that long-gone day upon a woman's stair-head gossip to the neglect of her cuisine, for had this woman been more diligent at her baking I had probably never seen my Isobel with a lover's eye."
Excerpt: "It is an odd thing, chance—the one element to baffle the logician and make the scheming of the wisest look as foolish in the long run as the sandy citadel a child builds upon the shore without any thought of the incoming tide. A strange thing, chance; and but for chance I might this day...
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About the author
Neil Munro (1863-1930) was a Scottish journalist, novelist, and short story writer whose work vividly captured the essence of Scottish life and culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Inveraray, Argyll, Munro's early experiences in the rugged Scottish Highlands deeply influenced his literary voice. He began his career in journalism, eventually becoming the editor of the "Glasgow Evening News," where his sharp wit and keen observations earned him a loyal readership.Munro's literary contributions are notable for their rich portrayal of Scottish folklore and history, often infused with a sense of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the natural landscape. His "Para Handy" stories, featuring the humorous escapades of a Clyde puffer captain and his crew, remain beloved classics in Scottish literature, showcasing his talent for blending humor with poignant social commentary.A figure of some controversy, Munro's works occasionally sparked debates over their romanticized view of Highland life versus the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants. Nonetheless, his ability to weave intricate narratives with compelling characters left an indelible mark on Scottish literature.Munro's influence extended to contemporary writers, inspiring figures such as Compton Mackenzie and John Buchan. His revolutionary ideas about the preservation of Scottish cultural identity and the importance of storytelling in maintaining national heritage continue to resonate today. Munro's legacy is that of a master storyteller who championed the spirit of Scotland, capturing its complexities and enduring charm for future generations.
Neil Munro (1863-1930) was a Scottish journalist, novelist, and short story writer whose work vividly captured the essence of Scottish life and culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Inveraray, Argyll, Munro's early experiences in the rugged Scottish Highlands deeply influ...
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