House of Lochar to publish facsimile of The Book of Islay

The publishing house on the Isle of Colonsay, House of Lochar, is shortly to publish a facsimile edition of The Book of Islay.

First published privately in 1895, in a single edition limited to 250 copies, this very rare work, a collection of documents on the history of the island, was edited by G. Gregory Smith and sponsored by Mr. Ramsay of Kildalton Castle.

The book is now to be republished in a facsimile of the complete text, but in a much more manageable physical form. Each copy of the original edition weighed 4470 grammes (just under 10 lbs).

The publication is planned for April 2010. Final costs have still to be determined but, for obvious reasons, the publishers would welcome expressions of interest – without obligation. Details of how they would like this to be done are at the foot of this article.

There will be people reading this who already know about The Book of Islay and there will be many who don’t.

Kevin Byrne, author and one-man vortex on Colonsay who is the engine of House of Lochar, has thoughtfully given us details of the book for the interest of those who are curious about it and would be glad of such information.

• There are 92 pages of introductory text, including some 60 pages in which G. Gregory Smith sets the context for the main body of the work.
• There are 648 pages of main text including Genealogical Tables and a very detailed index.
• The text consists of 259 documents, with English translations as required, together with scholarly notes.

These documents are supplemented by an Appendix in 3 sections:

1: Supplementary account of events connected with the island, derived from papers not included in the text of the volume:

• A: Annals
• B: Additional papers (including Mining, Fishing, a Packet Service etc.)

2. Descriptions of the island (ranging from 1385 – 1765)

3. Rentals &c. (ranging from 1509 – 1741), with notes e.g. ‘Knockrinsey and Ardelistie is a good possession for stock; and has one small isle annexed to it. There is a remarkable vision said to be seen about 60 years ago upon the top of a great hill above the house of Knock of a cryple going upon stilts and a young man also, a little halting, led by an old man, and all three lowping and skipping in the tope of the hill crying Hei! Gilbert ho! Gilbert, Gilbert, mwo so, Gilbert, mwo shud!’

It’s worth noting that the original work contains a number of illustrations. It is intended to include these but minor imperfections must be expected.

The Book of Islay is obviously essential for any student of Islay’s history and would be a valuable reference and possession for all Ileachs. It would have an immediate importance for exiled islanders and, were Islay in the future to be making formal contact with diaspora communities with an Islay descent, it would be a valued corporate gift.

It is also a work of extraordinary interest to the social historian and genealogist, listing in its appendices many very detailed references to agricultural holdings, rentals, tenants etc.

If you have an interest in acquiring a copy of this facsimile edition, please:

• send an email with ‘Book of Islay information’ in the subject line
• to:  byrne@colonsay.org.uk

House of Lochar will then keep you informed as the project moves to its final stages, the cost is determined and a specific date of publication is decided.

It will then laise with you to discover whether or not you wish to convert your expression of interest into an order.

For anyone who hears of this and who does not use email, the postal address to use to express your interest is:

• HOUSE of LOCHAR, Publishers – Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7YR