Halloween is over, Christmas is coming, and the long winter nights beckon. What better time to catch up on your reading? This year, why not treat yourself (or a loved one) to a feast of Crockett. People who are not familiar with Crockett’s work can be overwhelmed with the choice and I’m often asked by potential readers, ‘where should I start?’ It’s not an easy question to answer, since all tastes are different but I thought at year’s end I could offer a quick review of a range of his books to help you make a choice.
The most obvious book for the season is the compilation ‘A Cameronian Christmas’ which offers a range of ‘alternative’ Christmas and winter themed stories. Find out what life was like for Galloway folk in times gone by, when Christmas Dinner, if eaten at all, might be another serving of porridge.
If you want to get out in the Galloway hills this festive season (from the comfort of your armchair) you could do worse than get hold of a copy of ‘Discovering Crockett’s Galloway: Volume 1 – ‘Crockett Country’ in which Crockett and sundry other characters real and imaginary, guide you to some places you might not ever visit on your own. This also serves as a good introduction into a range of Crockett’s own novels.
[picture Crocket Country]
And if you want to work off all that turkey (or porridge) why not get on your bike? In ‘Sweetheart Travellers’ you can go along with Crockett and his daughter on a couple of adventures by tricycle through the Glenkens. This is volume 1 of the 7 volume ‘Rainbow Crockett’ which sees all Crockett’s fiction for children republished in one set. They are more stories more appropriate for adults than children these days, but quite the thing for a nostalgic trip back into one’s own childhood for those who have left those days far behind.
[picture The Rainbow Crockett]
Perhaps you’re more interested in history? There’s plenty in Crockett to whet the appetite and I have to say I’ve learned more about Scottish history in a more palatable way through Crockett’s books than through all the Scottish history books I’ve ever read. If the medieval attracts you, Threave is the backdrop for ‘The Black Douglas’ and its sequel ‘Maid Margaret.’
If you’re interested in The Galloway Levellers, why not try ‘The Dark o’ the Moon.’ If you’re interested in Covenanters there’s ‘The Men of the Moss Hags,’ and its sequel ‘Lochinvar.’ If you hail from or have an interest in Balmaghie’s history ‘The Standard Bearer’ is a must. ‘The Banner of Blue’ might surprise you, as might ‘The Lilac Sunbonnet.’ If you are more interested in history closer to home, the 19th century novels and stories featuring the ‘Drumquhat’ ( fictionalised Duchrae/Laurieston area) may take your fancy – with characters like Saunders and Alec M’Quhirr, you’ll be in good company. ‘Lads Loves’ and ‘Love Idylls’ are a good place to start. For more social and/or domestic drama of the from 18th and 19th century ‘Rose of the Wilderness,’ ‘Cinderella’ and ‘The Loves of Miss Anne’ are good choices.
[picture, The Galloway Collection]
If you like shorter fiction, ‘Bog Myrtle and Peat’ is a great introduction to Crockett’s style, though there are several others, ‘The Stickit Minister,’ ‘The Stickit Minister’s Wooing,’ and ‘The Bloom o’ the Heather’ among them.
If you are town based, don’t forget that Crockett writes about Castle Douglas many times, loosely disguising it as Cairn Edward. From ‘Kit Kennedy’ and ‘Kid McGhie’ to ‘Rose of the Wilderness’ and ‘Sandy’s Love’ you’ll be amazed at the places CD crops up in Crockett’s fiction. Once you know the key to the mystery you’ll quickly recognise the places. Some of the people may ring a bell as well! If you prefer biography, Harper’s ‘Crockett and Grey Galloway’ is available in a new edition.
[picture Grey Galloway]
All of this confirms that there’s much more to Crockett than ‘The Raiders’ and now that many of his works are back in print, there’s never been a better time to sit down with a good Galloway based book. If you’re into smugglers and 18th/19th century historical adventure romance, why not give ‘The Moss Troopers,’ ‘The Smugglers’ or ‘The Dew of Their Youth’ a go?
[picture The Raiders]
For more information about Crockett and his fiction, including where to buy the books (if you’re not close to a library stocking them in the original); your first port of call should be the Galloway Raiders website www.gallowayraiders.co.uk where you can find out all about him. You can join for free as well! There are member discounts on books – but don’t forget to order in good time for Christmas, as these books are printed to your personal order. You can find the books on Amazon too – look out for the blue ‘Galloway Collection’ series cover if you want good quality new editions. Wherever you start and however you get hold of them – make an early resolution – to catch up on your Crockett before the year is out.
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