Walking with James Hogg

*APPROVED* Discovering James Hogg's remarkable journeys in the 21st century James Hogg (the 'Ettrick Shepherd') was a writer, sportsman, shepherd, musician and larger-than-life personality. In 1802, in his early thirties, uneducated and still unknown, he set out on a series of travels through Scotland. These journeys, from the Borders to the Highlands and Hebrides, were inspiring, life-changing and often frightening. They led him to a life of chaos, fame, failures, fun and literary masterpieces. Now, a descendant follows his footsteps and reflects on his experiences, and on the remarkable rediscovery of Hogg's works a century after his death - the start of a whole new journey. It is a story of tenacity, of daring to be different and, against all odds, success and a thriving legacy. It is a lively look at his extraordinary life and works, including Confessions of a Justified Sinner, thought by many to be one of the greatest novels ever written. Bruce Gilkison, a New Zealander and great-great-grandson of Hogg's, walked through Scotland to discover what was special about him and these journeys. Like Hogg, he had no idea where these might lead. He found a world of stunning landscapes, magic and mystery, genius and ambiguity, friendships and back-stabbings, and learnt about his flawed, lovable and quirky ancestor. Front cover image: Loch A'an (c) Bruce Gilkison. Back cover image: the author competing in the St Ronan's Border Games. Cover design: www.paulsmithdesign.com [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN 978-1-4744-1538-5 Barcode

Bruce Gilkison is a writer and a consultant in sustainable business issues. He is a New Zealander with a recent and growing love for Scotland. He has lived and worked in the Pacific, East Africa, North America and Europe, and is a keen traveller, hiker and climber. He has a passion for social and environmental issues and has been published frequently on these topics, with two articles short-listed for British Commonwealth Media Awards for Journalism. He has a strong empathy with other cultures and a fascination for the wild and wonderful.