It takes a fair amount of hard-necked heichtynes (old Scots word for temerity) to wrap oneself up in the mantle of Reverend Brewer who back in the Victorian era initiated the whole phrase-and-fable industry. He beavered for obscure allusions in the arcana of ancient texts, compiling scholarly serendipity and giving birth to his famous and eponymous Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. First published in 2012 and now updated 2021 with hundreds of new and expanded entries, this edition focusses on 4,500 Scottish phrases and fables, incorporating the texture and fabric of the nation's ever-shifting sense of itself. From Aald Rock to Zeenty-teenty, it is an unputdownable gallimaufry of curious sayings, put-downs, insults, mottos, traditions, legends, folklore, customs, festivals, games, songs, dances, nicknames, bards and characters, doctors and high days to The Broons. There are completely new entries including Big Tam, the Third Forth Bridge, the Loony Dook, and the War of the One-eyed Woman. Past and present, it is a kaleidoscopic snapshot of the Scottish nation, from the mythical origins of the Scots in ancient Scythia to the foibles of modern Follyrood, from Sawney Bean to Oor Wullie, and from 'The end of an old song' to 'Aw fur coat and nae knickers' and 'Ye cannae shove yer granny aff a bus'. Curiously useful eclectic scholarship which is wilfully idiosyncratic, this is a real linguistic treasure trove and hours of sheer joy. 584pp and a large size, 19.5 x 25cm.
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