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The Port of Leith
Its History and People by Sue Mowat
ISBN: 9781904607175
Imprint: John Donald
Publication Date: Nov 2003
Format: Paperback
Price: £25.00
Stock Status: not in stock
’A solid book, packed with information ... a valuable contribution to the maritime history of Scotland ... an excellent reference book for those interested in Leith.’
- The Mariner’s Mirror
For some six centuries, from its foundation in the early twelfth century, Leith was the principal port of Scotland, and came to dominate Scotland’s trade. The main events of its history and the lives of some of its leading figures have been chronicled before. What is different about this history of Leith is the emphasis it places on the lives of the ordinary people of Leith their work, homes, lifestyle, interests, aspirations and opinions.
The author has examined a vast body of previously-unconsulted documents testaments, deeds, property deals, trading records, personal papers, local court books in order to flesh out our understanding of Leith and its people. This is a scholarly and thorough study, but it is also eminently readable and filled with entertaining and fascinating details both of daily life and unusual events. This book will appeal to specialists, but also to anyone who is interested in Scottish political, social and economic history. Local historians or those investigating naval or family history will find it invaluable, and it will be a fertile source for school and college projects.
The book is illustrated throughout with a variety of maps, historic photographs, line drawings and extracts from original documents.
One of the advantages of new technology is that it enables hard-to-find books to be made available again. We are pleased to present the first fruits of exploring John Donald’s classic backlist of academic titles. Not only do we hope to add more titles to the list but look forward to bringing in other titles suitable for this system as time goes on.
