Description

Book Synopsis

George’s memory is inseparable from Orkney, where he was born the youngest child of a poor family and which he rarely left. His mother was a beautiful woman who spoke only Gaelic and his father was a wit, mimic and singer, who also doubled as postman and tailor. Tuberculosis framed George’s early life and kept him in a kind of limbo. He discovered alcohol which gave him insights into the workings of the mind. While attending the University of Edinburgh he came into contact with Goodsir Smith, MacDiarmid and Norman MacCaig – and Stella Cartwright with whom perhaps all of them were in love.

By the time of his death in 1996 he was recognised as one of the great writers of his time and country.

For the Islands I Sing: An Autobiography

    Product form

    £8.54

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 18 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by George Mackay Brown

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of For the Islands I Sing: An Autobiography by George Mackay Brown

      Publisher: Birlinn General
      Publication Date: 27/06/2019
      ISBN13: 9781846975110, 978-1846975110
      ISBN10: 1846975115
      Also in:
      Biography Autobiography: writers ELT & Literary Studies Literary studies: c 1900 to c 2000 Literary studies: fiction

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      George’s memory is inseparable from Orkney, where he was born the youngest child of a poor family and which he rarely left. His mother was a beautiful woman who spoke only Gaelic and his father was a wit, mimic and singer, who also doubled as postman and tailor. Tuberculosis framed George’s early life and kept him in a kind of limbo. He discovered alcohol which gave him insights into the workings of the mind. While attending the University of Edinburgh he came into contact with Goodsir Smith, MacDiarmid and Norman MacCaig – and Stella Cartwright with whom perhaps all of them were in love.

      By the time of his death in 1996 he was recognised as one of the great writers of his time and country.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account