Greyfriars Bobby: The Real Story at Last

by Forbes MacGregor

Forbes Macgregor's bestselling book 'Greyfriars The Real Story at Last' contains previously unpublished information which explodes many of the myths concerning the famous Skye terrier and his master, John Gray. The framework of the story is fully documented but reports from contemporary newspapers of the 1850s and 1860s and other historical sources have been used to provide an intriguing and colourful background of life in the Old Town of Edinburgh in the early Victorian era. This book includes actual photographs of Bobby and eyewitness accounts.

Genres: Scotland, Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs, History

64 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Forbes MacGregor (1904 - 1991) was a Scottish teacher and poet. He taught in Edinburgh for 40 years. Over 25 years he lived for periods at the Old Manse, Anstruther Wester, Fife.

Reviews

[Book Dragon]

I read Eleanor Atkinson’s ‘Greyfrairs Bobby’ when I was a young girl in high school. It had such an impact on me that I have been fascinated with stories of loyal and faithful dogs such as Just Nuisance and Hachiko. Being an animal lover, these stories have always evoked romantic notions of the loyalty of my own dogs.

So, needless to say, when I visited Greyfrairs Kirkyard in Edinburgh and stood before the grave marker of the legendary Bobby I was in awe of such a tiny but mighty and faithful friend. I purchased this book with every intention of reading it soon after my visit but it was carefully shelved with all my other travel books. Only this year have I started unearthing the books and guides purchased along the way to read this year.

This book is a little treasure. Forbes MacGregor delves into the records of fact surrounding the time of John Gray and Bobby and he works to dispel the myth and inaccuracy found in Eleanor Atkinson’s much-loved Bobby book. Yes, this is the real story at last. Admittedly shorter than previous books about this dear little dog but it is factual, to the point, and interesting.

A little gem that I will return to when I need some loyal romancing from faithful friends.

[Stargazer]

Factual account more for adults - there are plenty other books for younger readers. Some good illustrations/photos - mind you, you can't go wrong with the auld toon of Edinburgh - has to be one of the most atmospheric cities in the world.

[Niamh Ennis]

Nice details about Bobby's character and devotion to his lost master, debunking that he never left the graveside but rather ran around leaves, jumped with his short legs over snowdrift, occasionally housed in colder weather nearby and went at the 1pm Canon to eat at the same eatery John Grey went to in life, changed hands multiple times. However the unnecessary details of the time I could have done without, especially when they were so pro monarchy and pro colonial to be racist

[J]

***Actual Star Rating: 2.5***

Greyfriars Bobby is supposedly the true story of police constable John Gray (Auld Jock), his police dog Bobby and the city of Edinburgh during the time of the terrier's vigil plus a bit of time prior. Supposedky based upon actual city records, the author wrote this book to clear up the tale as told by the suspect version as provided by Eleanor Atkinson.

Although the book is only some sixty-odd pages, the font is extremely small thus making the book appear to be a quick read. Furthermore the author chose to use some Scottish terms with some having their meanings provided and others not so much as well as conversations placed in Scottish accent, which may slow a reader who is trying to grasp the meaning of such talk even as they read it. And occasionally there is also some creative licensing to give the people and dog thoughts, which may have been or not.

Otherwise the chapters were fairly brief and just focused on one main aspect of the story thus allowing the reader to get a full feel for what is occurring. And although the books works on retelling to the reader the life and events of this little terrier, it also works to give the reader a clear look into the pass of a strangely devoted man as well and the squalor that he worked in even as the Victorian Scottish struggled to survive pollution, destitution, squalor and the rough people bred to survive such a time as well as those who took a compassion a little dog just doing his duty.

Black-and-white photos, some captioned, as well as a map, were included to help flesh out the story as well as a few excerpts from all years in the end to showcase just how inspiring the story of Greyfriars Bobby has been to all generations.

All in all this is definitely one doggy story for the ages and a should read if you also like the history behind a story.

[Shazza Maddog]

Enjoyable short book following the life and times of Bobby, the Skye terrier owned by John Gray, known the world over as the dog who laid on his master's grave for years.

Following newspaper accounts and other written incidents about Bobby, MacGregor pieces together a history of the dog and his master.

It is a quick read and informative.

[Elzbeth]

The factual story of potentially the most famous dog in the world. How could you give it anything less than five stars. Though admittedly, this does delve more into the facts and less into the glam of the story that many other books explore

[Hope Lumbis]

I think its just me but I had a hard time reading and understanding the Scottish talk :(

[Les Wilson]

Glad to true story is now made known.