Books by Alexander McCall Smith

Book SynopsisA girl marrying a lion? A beautiful woman who is really a leopard? A tree that can feed a family?Let bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith whisk you off to a place where magic is ordinary and bizarre things happen everyday, in this weird, wonderful and sometimes very funny celebration of African folk tales.Trade ReviewA collection of charm and tenderness * * Daily Telegraph * *The most entertaining read of the year * * Guardian * *Highly amusing, intelligent, and heart-warming * * Scotsman * *Retold in his own deceptively elegant fashion, the simple moral truths of these brilliant stories shine through in a way that is wholesome and highly rewarding. * * Herald * *

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Book SynopsisA man with a tree growing out of his head? A woman with children made of wax? A bird that can be milked? With more stories from his original celebration of African folktales, The Girl Who Married A Lion, let Alexander McCall Smith once again take you to a land where the bizarre is everyday and magic is real.Trade ReviewThis is a gem of a book . . . Each tale sparkles with magic. * * Junior Education * *A collection of charm and tenderness. * * Daily Telegraph * *Deceptively elegant... these brilliant stories shine through in a way that is wholesome, engaging and highly rewarding. * * Herald * *These stories are still beautiful; creating a wryly humorous place where the animal and human worlds are fluidly in touch with each other, and, as in all the best fables, you take a lesson away with you. * * Metro * *

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Book SynopsisItchy Coo and Black & White Publishing are delighted to present a new case for the young Precious Ramotswe, translated into Scots for the very first time. Well before Precious Ramotswe founded her Number One Ladies Detective Agency, as an eight-year-old girl she was already solving mysteries. Here, in this delightful, new, enchanting tale for children, we see how the young Precious became the crafty and intuitive private investigator we know and love. In The Mischief at Meerkat Brae, Precious befriends a new boy to her school called Pontsho and his sister Teb, and when she goes to their home for the first time, she discovers that they have an unusual pet, a very clever meerkat called Kosi. Then, when Pontsho and Teb become very upset when their cow goes missing, Precious decides to use her detective skills to solve the mystery but soon finds that all is not quite as simple as it seems on Meerkat Brae...

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Book SynopsisAlexander McCall Smithis the author of the highly successfulNo. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyseries, which has sold over twenty-five million copies. Since then he has devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty-six languages and become bestsellers throughout the world. These include the44 Scotland Streetnovels, first published as a serial novel in theScotsman, theIsabel Dalhousienovels, theVon Igelfeldseries and theCorduroy Mansionsnovels.

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Book SynopsisIt takes a lot to get under the skin of Cornelius 'Fatty O'Leary, but then there is a lot of skin to get under. The heroically proportioned Fatty can normally take life as it comes. Right at home in easy-going Fayetteville, Arkansas, he is happily married to his childhood sweetheart Betty, and likes nothing better than the company of good friends Tubby O'Rourke and Porky Flanagan. But when Fatty and Betty head off to Ireland on the trip of a lifetime, they find that they have left their comfort zone far behind. Calamity and mayhem ensue as one mishap after another befalls the beleaguered couple. Can Fatty's broad shoulders take the strain or will he suffer one indignity too many? Will he get his just deserts, or just dessert?Trade Review'McCall Smith's generous writing and dry humour, his gentleness and humanity, and his ability to evoke a place and a set of characters without caricature or condescension have endeared his books to readers' - The New York Times 'All you can eat platter of humour ... once again McCall Smith doles out an appropriately extra-large helping of fun' - Scotland on Sunday 'A scrumptious, joyous read, stuffed full of sharp wit, laugh out loud frolics and gentle soothing compassion - Completely charming, this is a little gem of a book and an absolute pleasure to read' - Lovereading 'Delicious' - Scottish Field

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Book SynopsisVal was working as a land girl when the Americans arrived at the nearby airfield in 1944. Mike, a young American airman, came into her life soon after, and so too did Peter Woodhouse, a dog badly treated on a neighbouring farm and taken in by her aunt. Little persuasion was needed for Mike to take Peter Woodhouse to the airbase and over time he became the mascot of the American squad, flying with them whenever their Mosquitoes took to the skies. When their plane is shot down over Holland both Mike and his canine companion are feared lost. But unknown to their loved ones at home, Mike and Peter Woodhouse survived the crash. Taken in by the Dutch resistance and with the help of Ubi, a German officer, the pair to remain in hiding till the end of the war when they are reunited with Val. We then follow Val, Mike and Peter Woodhouse as they rebuild a life in England. And Ubi as he returns to Germany at the end of the war and tries to build a new life for himself. His dream is to run a Wall of Death, a circus ring that pitts motorcyclists against gravity as they attempt to stay upright at ever increasing speed...Trade Review'Delicately balances the desperate tragedies of war time with the warmth of seeing people living their everyday lives through and after the war. I devoured this far too quickly! A lovely cosying-up sort of read, and certainly one that I’d recommend' * The BookBag *

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Book SynopsisA poem does not have to be famous to be cherished. The best-known poems of Robert Burns have been loved by countless people over the years, but there are other poems that may be largely unknown that will mean a great deal to the few who are familiar with them. This anthology is a personal curation and not just a simple collection of poems. Each poem, handpicked by Alexander McCall Smith, leads the reader from one poem to the another. Intimate in tone, the editor shares the pleasure he finds in these poems through short epigraphs written for each piece.Trade Review'Lesser known works by Scottish poets have been hand-picked to show the divers and passionate voice of the country' * Scots Magazine *‘A haunting personal mixtape that gives voice to the ghosts of Scottish poetry. The personal nature of the collection allows McCall Smith to shine a light on lesser-known works. Every reader will find something to latch onto' * Herald on Sunday *'A beautifully curated, timeless collection' * Woman’s Weekly *‘Sit back - there is certainly plenty here to enjoy’ * Scotsman *'The true excitement of discovery lies in the lesser known gems, [such as] Tessa Ransford's Nocturne Lewis. There are poems that seep Scotland through their very pores. A wonderful anthology' * The Wee Review *

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Book SynopsisAlexander McCall Smithis the author of the highly successfulNo. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyseries, which has sold over twenty-five million copies. Since then he has devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty-six languages and become bestsellers throughout the world. These include the44 Scotland Streetnovels, first published as a serial novel in theScotsman, theIsabel Dalhousienovels, theVon Igelfeldseries and theCorduroy Mansionsnovels.

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Book SynopsisWhat really counts in this life? For the writer, Alexander McCall Smith, it is friendship and love – themes that crop up time and again in his novels. And it is these themes that he explores in this collection of poems, with moments that swoop and soar, and descriptions that will make you laugh and realign your view. This collection reminds us to look at the world differently, to stop once in while and look up at the sky.Trade Review'His poetic voice is conversational, companionable, friendly ... It is such books, books like this one, that in a time of strident and dishonest polemics readers should attend to with a feeling ear' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'The many admirers of the fiction of Alexander McCall Smith will be totally charmed by a book of poems he has produced. He reveals the same genial, quietly wise persona, whether offering gentle philosophy about life, writing about the seven hills of Edinburgh or running an elegant series of sonnets' * The Herald *'A book to treasure and return to through the year and across the years. All the poems inspire reflection, and an empathetic urge to take in the world through the eyes of others' * LoveReading *'McCall Smith never beats the big drum or shouts his wares in the marketplace. His poetic voice is conversational, companionable, friendly' * Yorkshire Post *'I had no idea the much-loved novelist AMS wrote poetry until a beautiful meditation dropped into my inbox during the strange days of Big Lockdown ... If you had never read one of his novels, these poems would make you love a writer whose optimism and grace give you hope for the world, 'its beauty revealed afresh'' * Daily Mail *'Explores a wide array of themes including journeys, books, animals and places in what would be deemed light verse. The stand-out works in this collection speak volumes in our volatile, Covid-19 afflicted world. The tile poem beautifully portrays how the pandemic has allowed us the opportunity to reconnect with a true sense of happiness. Offers a cosy form of escapism through poetry that’s easily accessible for all readers' * Dundee Courier, Scottish Book of the Week *'A wonderful collection of Alexander's poems which has given great comfort to us all in this rotten time we’ve all had' -- Brett Wolstencroft, Daunt Books'A moment of hope. Thank you' -- James Naughtie, 5 x 15'This collection, which examines the themes of friendship and love, is a joyous affirmation of [McCall Smith’s] infatuation with the form. Delivered in his trademark genial, conversational style … accessible and highly enjoyable' * Scottish Field *

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Book SynopsisStories do not have to be long. In the space of a couple of sentences – or even a page or two – we can see the human heart exposed in a way that is more powerful than in a novel. In Tiny Tales Alexander McCall Smith explores romance, ambition, kindness and happiness in thirty short stories that range in length from the short to the tiny. The settings are as diverse as the characters – Scotland, England, Australia, the United States – combining to create a rich and always surprising selection. An Australian pope?. A persuasive cosmetic surgeon? The world’s laziest cat. A group of students living together and getting romantically entangled? All human and animal life is here – in miniature. Trade Review'This may be a small book in size, but it is mighty of heart and the most wonderful gift for someone who would appreciate a smile or hug. Short and sharp, yet bountiful and considerate - fabulous' -- Liz Robinson * loverreading.co.uk *'windows on the world... portraying a whole universe' * Financial Times *'a selection of short, diverse stories and cartoon strips that ripple with humour. Perfect for those without the time, patience or inclination to pick up a novel. It will have readers - especially new ones - coming back for more' * Sunday Post *'Exquisitely funny ... I can’t think of any other writer who could come up with anything like this, because as well as being among the funniest he has ever written, these stories are also moving, respectful and kind. Even the Pope himself would, i think, enjoy them' * The Scotsman *'It is remarkably clever how, in just a few pages, he [Alexander McCall Smith] can create a complete little world ... a little treasure' -- Patricia Cleveland Peck * The Cultural Voyager *'Charismatic and charming, convincingly demonstrates that length is by no means essential for a captivating read' * Scottish Field *'These stories are inspired and accompanied by the thirty magnificent strip Tiny Tales created by McCall Smith and illustrated by the brilliant Iain McIntosh. Each is a little gemstone of observation. Full of romantic heartwarming stories with chance encounters… this is a great little book to keep by your bedside or on a coffee table when you need cheering up. It would also make a lovely Christmas gift' * Sixtyplus surfers *'Just lovely, they are charming… I loved them… they are brilliant' * Books Up North Podcast *'In a world which presently feels polarised and intolerant, these vignettes provide a wonderful antidote to scepticism and anger and are a soothing balm for the heart and soul in these uncertain times' * Toowoomba Chronicle *'Readers can enjoy his wit in small, tasty bites... each charming little story invites the reader to reflect on an aspect of human existence through a brief tale… a kernel of wisdom wrapped in a story' * Current Argus *'Short and sharp, yet bountiful and considerate, Tiny Tales really is the most fabulous book' * LoveReading *'I commended this book to you all, with its brilliant illustrations by Iain McIntosh, some of the funniest cartoons you will ever see, reflecting the humour which 'Sandy' excels in'' -- James Naughtie, BBC Broadcaster

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Book SynopsisIn Pianos and Flowers we are invited to glimpse a world long departed. In these stories, inspired by long-lost photographs, the lives of the people in the frame are imagined and then explored, layer by layer. Three sisters brought up in Penang, caught in the tide of war. A group of small boys in a Glasgow slum – their childhood blighted by poverty, their adult lives taking very different paths. A young woman’s search for love in the unlikely realm of Egyptian antiquities. And through all of these photographs, and all of these stories, there runs the same refrain: the possibilities of love, of friendship, of happiness lie before us. Trade Review'McCall Smith’s expert handling of conflict and rich imagination make this one his fans will enjoy' * Publisher's Weekly *'The beloved author invites us to glimpse a world long departed... from Glasgow slums to Egyptian relics, love, friendship and happiness are the central themes' * Scots Magazine *'A picture paints a thousand words ... this book demonstrates the imagination and skill of McCall Smith to be able to create personal stories from something as simple as a photograph' * Dundee Courier, Scottish Book of the Week *'A delightful compendium of short stories' * Edinburgh Life *

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Book SynopsisIt is 1938 and the final days of the British Empire. In a bungalow high up in the green hills above the plains of Ceylon, under a vast blue sky, live the Ferguson family: Bella, a precocious eight-year-old; her father Henry – owner of Pitlochry, a tea plantation – and her mother Virginia. The story centres around the Pavilion in the Clouds, set in the idyllic grounds carved out of the wilderness. But all is not as serene as it seems. Bella is suspicious of her governess, Miss White’s intentions. Her suspicion sparks off her mother’s imagination and after an unfortunate series of events, a confrontation is had with Miss White and a gunshot rings off around the hills. Years later, Bella, now living back in Scotland at university in St Andrews, is faced, once again with her past. Will she at last find out what happened between her Father and Miss White? And will the guilt she has lived with all these years be reconciled by a long over-due apology?Trade Review'The ever fecund Alexander McCall Smith continues to surprise as well as please... This is one of the most enjoyable of his many enjoyable novels' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'Most of the historical novels I review are so unrelentingly dark or dramatic that it makes a nice change to read one with so many touches of gentle humour ... The characters are so well observed that I had to remind myself that the book is written by a man from a mostly female perspective, because he captures the nuances of female interactions so well' * Historical Novel Society *'this utterly engaging standalone novel shimmers with atmosphere and family tension ... a stirring, evocative psychological mystery set in 1938 as the British Empire limps through its final days' * Lovereading.co.uk *'Strong characters and beautiful settings, from the mountainous tea plantation in Ceylon to the rolling hills of the Scottish countryside' * Asian Review of Books *'Paints a vivid and atmospheric story of life in a tea plantation towards the end of the British Empire... Cleverly layered with intrigue, suspense, romance, and warmly drawn characters' * Sixtyplusurfers *'Offering a child’s perspective, the novel chimes with Harper Lee’s 1960 classic To Kill A Mockingbird' * Sunday Post *'Esteemed writer McCall Smith brings us a new and exciting enigma' * Scottish Field *'A window to an era when the British knew the time had come for them to leave' * MintLounge *'Insightful, sometimes poignant and often humorous, whether his setting is in present day London, Edinburgh, Botswana or pre-war Ceylon, McCall Smith's grasp of people and relationships is superb' * GoodReads, 5 stars *

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Book SynopsisIt’s the most anticipated event of the decade: Big Lou and Fat Bob’s wedding and everyone is invited! After a wonderful day, Big Lou crashes back down to earth and finds that she is a victim of her own success. The lure of those famous bacon rolls is preventing her from leaving hungry customers without their daily dose of deliciousness – even to go for a long-awaited honeymoon. Will Big Lou find the happiness she so richly deserves? Everyone in Scotland Street hopes so, but, as Burns warned, the best laid plans ... The relative peace and tranquillity of 44 Scotland Street is about to be disrupted. Irene is to return for a two-month stay, consigning Bertie to a summer camp. Not satisfied with that, she somehow manages to come between the enigmatic nun, Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna, and her friend, the hagiographer, Antonia Collie. Can a person really change, even after being struck by lightning? Bruce’s metamorphosis and new-found outlook on life is put to the test as he prepares to leave his creature comforts for the monastic simplicity of Pluscarden Abbey. His house sitter, meanwhile, gets a little too comfortable in his new life and discovers that the talented Bruce Anderson’s shoes are all too easy to slip into. With great taste comes great responsibility. Come and discover The Enigma of Garlic and join the delightful denizens of Edinburgh’s most famous address. This latest instalment of the much-loved 44 Scotland Street series is wise, witty, and full of warmth.Trade Review'Shines with wisdom and humour about the human heart' -- Kate Green * Country Life *'Many plots are artfully woven into this instalment of the 44 Scotland Street series, proving to be as reflective and reliable as ever. Devour this on a winter's eve' -- Megan Amato * Scottish Field *'In this delightful new book, Alexander explores all these topics and many more in his inimitable and insightful way. And most importantly there are ladlefuls of gentle humour' -- Jenny Itzcovitz * Sixtyplussurfers *'Alexander McCall Smith’s impressive literary output shows no sign of slowing as he publishes the latest volume in the Scotland Street series and celebrates 25 years of The No1 Ladies’ Detective Agency' * Dundee Courier *

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Book SynopsisThe characters in this delicious book are pushed to the point of no return and seek retribution. But how we get even is not always the best road to redemption. On the island of Mull, it takes an incomer to make the locals realise that they need to take matters into their own hands to maintain the community’s reputation. In ‘The Principles of Soap’ the value of friendship overcomes adversity and opportunistic nepotism. In suburban Edinburgh opposing neighbours find out the hard way that the best method of dealing with a canine disturbance is not to bury one’s head in the sand. And in the final tale we meet an author on the brink of public ruin who sees the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day. These four tales show that the exquisite art of getting even is a skill that sees kindness win over malice. Tantalising and amusing, these stories show off a darker side but carry with them the author’s trademark warmth and humour. Trade Review'The stories all have McCall Smith’s characteristic charm, and make for easy and very pleasant reading... as in all McCall Smith’s work, we are reminded that the necessary quality in social life is kindness' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'The final story provides a sweet coda to previous acts of comeuppance as kindness prevails' * Daily Mail *'McCall Smith’s writing is incredibly captivating and though the stories are frequently filled with feelings of sadness and guilt, the collection is bound to induce laughs' * Glasgow University Scottish Literature Society *'Charming tales of friendship, revenge and retribution' -- Jenny Itzcovtiz * Sixtyplussurfers *’Nimble tales' * Daily Mail *'Even in the darkest of moment, his warmth still comes through... I will be returning to [this collection] time and time again for its questions and discussion over revenge' * The Courier *'Told with his trademark warmth and humour' * The People's Friend *'Immediately engaging, and layered with dark humour and truths about human nature... It's a thoroughly entertaining, satisfying collection' -- Joanne Owen * LoveReading *'This delightful collection of tales by one of Scotland's most beloved writers shows that the art of getting even is a skill that sees kindness win over malice' * Scots Magazine *'Nicely twisty plots offer wryly wise reasons not to seek revenge. Massively entertaining and thought-provoking' * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisGlasgow for Bertie is the promised land. The city of pies and Irn Bru, far from his controlling mother, Irene – his place of escape. But how will he respond to the news of the proposed merging of Edinburgh and Glasgow? A new member of Bertie’s class at school is causing ripples in his social circle. She is called Galactica MacFee and is going to be a match for Olive and her lieutenant, Pansy. And, an incredible new discovery: a Pictish stone, that is said to have the first-know written poem carved into it is the talk of the town. But, when the poem is eventually translated, it is thought it is best to keep it under wraps. In this new instalment in the perennially popular 44 Scotland series, we are back in the world of Angus and Domenico, Bruce, Matthew and Elspeth, and, of course, Bertie and his friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson. Filled with Alexander McCall Smith’s trademark wit, warmth and humour, this new book is a must-read.Trade Review'For me these books are a tribute to kindness and empathy. Fabulously entertaining, witty, and thoughtful, The Stellar Debut of Galactica MacFee joins the 44 Scotland Street family with aplomb' -- Liz Robinson * LoveReading, Book of the Month *'As ever, there's a gentle, weaving narrative that is endlessly poetic and thought-provoking' * Scottish Field, 5 Stars *'A delightful read... This is guaranteed to cheer you up on a cold Winter's evening' -- Jenny Itzcovitz * Sixtyplussurfers *

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Book SynopsisThe characters in this delicious book are pushed to the point of no return and seek retribution. But how we get even is not always the best road to redemption. On the island of Mull, it takes an incomer to make the locals realise that they need to take matters into their own hands to maintain the community’s reputation. In ‘The Principles of Soap’ the value of friendship overcomes adversity and opportunistic nepotism. In suburban Edinburgh opposing neighbours find out the hard way that the best method of dealing with a canine disturbance is not to bury one’s head in the sand. And in the final tale we meet an author on the brink of public ruin who sees the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day. These four tales show that the exquisite art of getting even is a skill that sees kindness win over malice. Tantalising and amusing, these stories show off a darker side but carry with them the author’s trademark warmth and humour. Trade Review'The stories all have McCall Smith’s characteristic charm, and make for easy and very pleasant reading... as in all McCall Smith’s work, we are reminded that the necessary quality in social life is kindness' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'The final story provides a sweet coda to previous acts of comeuppance as kindness prevails' * Daily Mail *'McCall Smith’s writing is incredibly captivating and though the stories are frequently filled with feelings of sadness and guilt, the collection is bound to induce laughs' * Glasgow University Scottish Literature Society *'Charming tales of friendship, revenge and retribution' -- Jenny Itzcovtiz * Sixtyplussurfers *’Nimble tales' * Daily Mail *'Even in the darkest of moment, his warmth still comes through... I will be returning to [this collection] time and time again for its questions and discussion over revenge' * The Courier *'Told with his trademark warmth and humour' * The People's Friend *'Immediately engaging, and layered with dark humour and truths about human nature... It's a thoroughly entertaining, satisfying collection' -- Joanne Owen * LoveReading *'This delightful collection of tales by one of Scotland's most beloved writers shows that the art of getting even is a skill that sees kindness win over malice' * Scots Magazine *'Nicely twisty plots offer wryly wise reasons not to seek revenge. Massively entertaining and thought-provoking' * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisThis new collection is a fascinating journey into the heart of each of us – from the author of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency and the 44 Scotland Street series. In I Think of You, the reader travels through literary Edinburgh in summer, heartbreak in a rain-drenched glen in the Highlands, a voyage on the Argo in Ancient Greece, and from Dallas to Helsinki and home again. Throughout this collection, the author explores various themes of love, kindness and friendship, as well as the philosophy of food, the idiosyncrasies of language and the importance of canonical hours. Each poem is a journey of the soul that interrogates what it is to love and to be alive.Trade Review'Alexander McCall Smith infuses his perceptive work with his heartening belief in the power of love, friendship and kindness' * The Scotsman *'McCall Smith brings the beauty of everyday life to the forefront' * The Bookseller *'puts love and kindness at the heart of each poem and celebrates life, love and the majesty of the small, quiet moments in our lives together' * Scots Magazine *'I Think of You is an anthology to treasure and return to when you’re seeking soulful sustenance and joy' * LoveReading *

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Book SynopsisThe Perfect Passion Dating Company at No. 24 Mouse Lane in Edinburgh's New Town is run by Katie Donald who has an innate instinct for bringing people together. She has developed a skill for finding out what it is that people really want. Along the way, Katie learns profound lessons about her own desires as she works at better understanding others. Although Katie has little in the way of direct experience, with the help of her amiable and handsome office neighbour William Kidd, she soon finds herself making matches for the lonely hearts tired of meeting online – and who want a more personal touch. For fans of Alexander McCall Smith's many beloved series and romantic standalone novels, The Perfect Passion Company shows him at his most perceptive, playful, and generous. In the way that only McCall Smith can, this novel offers a glimpse inside the psychology of matchmaking, the search for love and companionship, and the mysterious spark of attraction that can, at times, catch hold of us all.Trade Review'As always with McCall Smith, expect the kind of dialogue you wish you could have more often, keen observations, comic plot twists, and a main character to cheer for' * Booklist *'There is, as ever in his work, abundant delight ... In his concern for right thought and conduct he is one of the most considerable and satisfying, as well as delightful, novelists working today' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'An absolutely gorgeous standalone tale from one of the most astute and compassionate observers of humanity... The Perfect Passion Company is oh-so engaging and enjoyable as it explores our human need for love and companionship.' * LoveReading *

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Book SynopsisWhat really counts in this life? For the writer, Alexander McCall Smith, it is friendship and love themes that crop up time and again in his novels. And it is these themes that he explores in this collection of poems, with moments that swoop and soar, and descriptions that will make you laugh and realign your view.This collection reminds us to look at the world differently, to stop once in while and look up at the sky.

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Book SynopsisAlexander McCall Smithis the author of the highly successfulNo. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyseries, which has sold over twenty-five million copies. Since then he has devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty-six languages and become bestsellers throughout the world. These include the44 Scotland Streetnovels, first published as a serial novel in theScotsman, theIsabel Dalhousienovels, theVon Igelfeldseries and theCorduroy Mansionsnovels.

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Book SynopsisIn this latest instalment ofThe Perfect Passion Company, Katie Donald, with the help of her enigmatic neighbour, William, continues her unwavering endeavour to help lonely hearts find love. With the tenderness of which only McCall Smith is capable,hecharmingly illuminates the universal search for love and compassion.

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Book SynopsisA heart-warming stand-alone novel about trains and love! McCall Smith weaves a tale of four strangers who meet on a train. They have one thing in common - they have all been in love. They all have very different experiences to share, but as one of the character observes, loving others is the good thing we do in our lives.

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Book SynopsisExperience a new history of Scotland told through its places. Writers Kathleen Jamie, Alexander McCall Smith, Alistair Moffat, James Robertson and James Crawford pick twenty-five buildings to tell the story of the nation. Travelling across the country, from abandoned islands and lonely glens to the heart of our modern cities, these five authors seek out the diverse narrative of the Scottish people. Follow Kathleen Jamie as she searches for the traces of our first family hearths in the Cairngorms and makes a midsummer journey to Shetland to meet the unlikely new inhabitants of an Iron Age broch. Tour the wondrous and macabre Surgeons’ Hall with Alexander McCall Smith, or walk with him over sacred ground to Iona’s ancient Abbey. Join Alistair Moffat as he discovers a lost whisky village in the wilds of Strathconon, and climbs up through the vertiginous layers of history in Edinburgh Castle. Accompany James Robertson as he goes from the standing stones of Callanish to the humble cottage of Hugh MacDiarmid – via the engineering colossus of the Forth Rail Bridge. And journey with James Crawford from a packed crowd in Hampden Park, to an off-the-grid eco-bothy on the Isle of Eigg. Who Built Scotland is a landmark exploration of Scotland’s social, political and cultural histories. Moving from Neolithic families, exiled hermits and ambitious royal dynasties to highland shieling girls, peasant poets, Enlightenment philosophers and iconoclastic artists, it places our people, our ideas and our passions at the heart of our architecture and archaeology. This is the remarkable story how we have shaped our buildings and how our buildings, in turn, have shaped us.Trade Review'The 25 essays are all admirable appreciations of buildings – or of landscapes and places from which buildings have long disappeared. They are written with knowledge and enthusiasm and the photographs are gorgeous . . . [Who Built Scotland] is very enjoyable and rich in information. You would have to be quite exceptionally knowledgeable not to learn much from it, and it certainly paints a fine picture of our strange and varied country and its history' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'The quality of the writing is uniformly high . . . This is a very good book; edifying and, at times, revelatory' * The Herald *'A fascinating alternative take on the country's social, political and cultural histories . . . While the buildings are the focus of this book, the stories of the people who built them and use them are what really stay in the mind. It's easy to think of buildings as inanimate but this book demonstrates the life behind them.' - 5 star review. * Scottish Field *'the history is skilfully woven throughout the course of the book in a way that is intriguing and easy to follow . . . It really reads as an epic love story to Scotland' * The Courier *''The result is a book that is by turns inspiring and fascinating; a book that gives perspective to Scotland's many and varied architectural traditions; and a book that gives context to the Scotland we see around us today . . . There's one sense in which the title of the book is misleading in that you find rather more than 25 buildings between its covers. Some contributions cover themes or groups of buildings rather than individual structures. The effect is to broaden further the scope of the book and adds to its already considerable lasting value.' * Undiscovered Scotland *

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Book Synopsis'What we build always reveals things that are deeply and innately human. Because all buildings are stories, one way or another.' Kathleen Jamie, Alexander McCall Smith, Alistair Moffat, James Robertson and James Crawford travel across the country to tell the story of the nation, from abandoned islands and lonely glens to the heart of our modern cities. Whether visiting Shetland’s Mousa Broch at midsummer, following in the footsteps of pilgrims to Iona Abbey, joining the tourist bustle at Edinburgh Castle, scaling the Forth Bridge or staying in an off-the-grid eco-bothy, the authors unravel the stories of the places, people and passions that have had an enduring impact on the landscape and character of Scotland.Trade Review'The 25 essays are all admirable appreciations of buildings – or of landscapes and places from which buildings have long disappeared. They are written with knowledge and enthusiasm and the photographs are gorgeous . . . [Who Built Scotland] is very enjoyable and rich in information. You would have to be quite exceptionally knowledgeable not to learn much from it, and it certainly paints a fine picture of our strange and varied country and its history' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'The quality of the writing is uniformly high . . . This is a very good book; edifying and, at times, revelatory' * The Herald *'A fascinating alternative take on the country's social, political and cultural histories . . . While the buildings are the focus of this book, the stories of the people who built them and use them are what really stay in the mind. It's easy to think of buildings as inanimate but this book demonstrates the life behind them.' - 5 star review. * Scottish Field *'the history is skilfully woven throughout the course of the book in a way that is intriguing and easy to follow . . . It really reads as an epic love story to Scotland' * The Courier *''The result is a book that is by turns inspiring and fascinating; a book that gives perspective to Scotland's many and varied architectural traditions; and a book that gives context to the Scotland we see around us today . . . There's one sense in which the title of the book is misleading in that you find rather more than 25 buildings between its covers. Some contributions cover themes or groups of buildings rather than individual structures. The effect is to broaden further the scope of the book and adds to its already considerable lasting value.' * Undiscovered Scotland *

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Book Synopsis'I love this city, and always shall. I write about it. I dream about it. I walk its streets and see something new each day - traces of faded lettering on the stone, still legible, but just; some facade that I have walked past before and not noticed; an unregarded doorway with the names, in brass, of those who lived there sixty years ago, the bell-pulls sometimes still in place, as if one might summon long-departed residents from their slumbers.' Edinburgh is a city of stories - a place that has witnessed everything from great historical upheavals, to the individual lives of a remarkable cast of characters. Every spire, cobblestone, bridge, close and avenue has a tale to tell. In this sumptuous new book, Alexander McCall Smith curates his own, distinctive story of Edinburgh - combining his affectionate, incisive wit with a wealth of stunning imagery drawn from Scotland's national collection of architecture and archaeology. Through a series of photographs, maps, drawings and paintings - many never before published - he takes the reader on a unique tour. Just like the city's architecture, the book can move in an instant from sweeping views to secret, hidden vignettes. This is a story of famous landmarks and lost buildings; the people who made them; the people who lived in them. A Work of Beauty is an intimate portrait of a city by one of Scotland's greatest storytellers.Trade Review'Sandy McCall Smith amazes fellow scribblers with his freshness and sheer verve. Having lived in Edinburgh for 20 years, I loved A Work of Beauty, his beautifully written evocation of the most beautiful city in the world.' * The Scotsman Books of the Year 2014 *'Alexander McCall Smith has penned a love letter to Scotland’s capital … A Work of Beauty lays bare the changing face of Auld Reekie, capturing forever the eternal beauty of its historic skyline and the qualities that have earned it the title 'the Athens of the North'.' * The Sunday Post *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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