Tartans

by Brenda Ralph Lewis

Over 300 historic and modern tartans from around the world.

Reprinted in 2006.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Brenda Ralph Lewis is a writer with over 200 books on history and numerous magazine articles and television documentaries to her name. Her fascination with Scottish history and culture began early in her career and she has since returned to the subject at every opportunity. She regards [her] book on tartans as a labor of love.

Reviews

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

History of the clan is brief so you get a bite sized look which is perfect for a tabletop book. The pictures are beautiful and detailed enough you can see the patterns. It is a great intro to do your research.

5 stars

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tartans: From Scottish Clans to Canadian Provinces, by Brenda Ralph Lewis, is a nice pocket-sized reference for those who might do genealogy or who simply want a ready reference when they are visiting places where these patterns are part of the history.

I don't think this was intended to be an introduction to tartans but rather a useful reference for those with at least a basic knowledge who might have a need to identify them when out and about. A full size version of this would make an invaluable reference in a home or office. While I was ignorant of much of the history, I was aware of what they mean and their importance. This volume served to give me a better perspective on the number (of which this is a small percentage) and variety of patterns. Since this is more about identification than fashion, I didn't feel that not getting a look at larger sections to see the repeat was a big deal.

I would highly recommend this to those who already have an interest and some knowledge of tartans and their history. Whether for reference or simply to have, this will be a great addition to their libraries. Those who might want to learn about tartans more generally might prefer an actual history book rather than this one, though if they plan to dig deeper, through history in general or genealogy in particular, this will still be a valuable book. There is enough information given that, as I did, you can look up details that pique your interest. Going into much more detail on 250 patterns would be unreasonable to expect in a small handheld reference book, unless you're very strong and can carry a handheld encyclopedia.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Tartans
By: Brenda Ralph Lewis
Release Date: 09/05/2023
Book Type: Travel Pocket Guide
Publisher: Amber Books
Book Length: 224 pages in color
Overall Rating: 5/stars

This is a beautiful book in color made for travelers. Fan of Scottish history and Outlander will love this book and remember the clearances after the Battle of Culloden, (April 16, 1746), the last battle of the “Forty-five Rebellion,” when the Jacobites, under Charles Stewart, the Young Pretender (“Bonnie Prince Charlie”), were defeated by British forces under William Augustus, duke of Cumberland in only 40 short minutes! This was when the English went to war against the Scots and made these humiliating laws under the clearances. Furthermore, clan life was taken away from Scotland and they were not allowed to wear their Kilts or speak their native tongue for many years.

This book also covers over 300 historic and modern kilts with a paragraph written about each clan including Canadian clans. Kilts were worn during Canada’s seven year war in the 18th century from 1756-1763. Now of course America and Canada have strong tartan traditions. Tartan Day is celebrated every April with a big parade in New York City. Some of the previous Grand Marshal's have been actors from the Outlander show. Even Israel has a kilt.

This edition is nice and convenient for travelers where they can even write notes. In addition, it's in vibrant colors and can fit in your pocket or handbag. I think it more for people who have DNA match or have Scottish, Irish or Canadian ancestry. I myself am a MacRae so another reason I was fascinated by this travel guide.

Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher for an honest review through Netgalley.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Tartans is a beautifully illustrated catalogue of different tartans with their clan and province affiliations compiled and written by Brenda Ralph Lewis. Due out 14th July 2023 from Amber Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in flexibound (pocket) format.

This is a no-nonsense, photographic encyclopedia with full colour illustrations. It's arranged in chapters: Scots clan tartans, district and special tartans, and Canadian tartans. The entries are arranged alphabetically. Each entry contains a full colour closeup photo and an abbreviated history and interesting background for each pattern.

It's not meant to be a guide to the use or cultural significance of the kilt, and there are no entries for kilt jewelry or hose, nothing about sporrans. In the cases (many!) where there are alternates or the patterns have changed, they're labeled and listed in the same entry.

Very interesting and useful resource with lots of gorgeous tartan plaids in colour.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being fascinated by Scottish History and Culture, I expected this book to go more in depth about the clans themselves, and not just about "which house had which pattern of tartan". I didn't get that unfortunately.

It's not a bad book, but it's definitely a very light introduction to the subject, very basic and with little information.

So, if you're looking to learn a lot about Scottish Clans and their history, this might not be the right book for you.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extensive list of tartans ordered alphabetically, with large coloured photos and a short family history. I didn't know that tartan had such a special significance and that there were so many different kinds. I would've liked to learn a bit more. Very interesting.

*Temporary access to e-copy received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent guide to the history of the tartans, which includes district, Royal and Canadian tartans. It is useful if you have family tartans that you want to look up, or you want to find out more about a particular tartan. I didn’t know that the Canadian provinces had tartans!

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost like a dictionary of plaid, this would be a good quick-reference book if you wanted to know which clan a particular tartan belonged to, or which tartan belonged to a specific clan. There was mention of some clan history but not a lot of details, so if you are hoping for tartan or clan in-depth info, this is not the book for you.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a fascinating book like those by Amber Books: a perfect coffee table book with plenty of gorgeous pictures of Tartans and interesting explanations.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank netgalley and Amber Books Ltd for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting, but very basic.

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cool book for anyone with or interested in Scottish or Canadian history. Great photos and excellent information on the different clans and other tartans. I loved it!