An amusing and delightful miniature concerning the Scottish island of Colonsayseventeen square miles of dews and damp twentyfive miles off the coast. Mr.McPhee ... » 

An amusing and delightful miniature concerning the Scottish island of Colonsayseventeen square miles of dews and damp twentyfive miles off the coast. Mr.McPhee and his family descendants after many misty generations of a clanwhich had been overcome by a pack of MacDonalds on Colonsay visited on theisland and became acquainted with the 138 people living serenely thereon. Primemovers or rather immutables in his microcosmic study of this continent of soulsare McPhees model inhabitants Donald McNeill the crofter and the lairdEuan Howard fourth Baron Strathcona who like Mr. McNeill is alternatelybemused and irritated by the feudal barony. Yet both participate solemnly inthe rituals of Rent Day And how are you? . . . youre looking fit. . .Milord I thought I might mention that I have a fence down and. . .. Butthe laird will admit to McPhee They are entitled to be a little sore whenthey are dragged screaming into the twentieth century Its a dicey businessfor me History myth present economic and political incongruities gossipand imposing personages scenery and conviviality its a canny and handsomeskirl. Original appearance in The New Yorker. Kirkus Reviews «