The Bagpipes: A Cultural History

"Historically insightful and full of character. Richard has captured the essence and beauty of piping's vibrant culture with historical, musical and characterful insight." -- Finlay MacDonald, world-renowned piper and composer

"With infectious enthusiasm for his subject, Richard McLauchlan traces the cultural significance of the bagpipes across the globe and over many centuries. His multi-storied and learned account reveals the bagpipes' history to be just as intricate and variegated as the most complex piobaireachd/pibroch tunes showcased by its virtuosi practitioners." -- Clare Jackson, author of Devil-Land: England under Siege 1588-1688

"Richly entertaining and perceptive. A revelation for pipers like me, and for anyone interested in how an instrument can transform culture." -- Alastair Campbell, author of But What Can I Do? and co-host of The Rest Is Politics

"The Bagpipes is a pleasure to read... this is the book I am giving to every person I know who expresses even the slightest interest in piping and the pipes." -- Piping Press

"Highly entertaining... highly readable ... while creating a very accessible history of the bagpipe in Scotland without ever losing the rigor required to provide a warts and all story." -- Bagpipe News

"After The Bagpipes: A Cultural History, I was overwhelmed with pride and love for the instrument and a greater understanding of its impact on the world." -- Pipes Drums Magazine

"McLauchlan's passion for Scotland and the bagpipes is evident, supplying this companionable guide with moments of genuine excitement." -- Ilassical Music Daily

"An absorbing, thoughtful, and often surprising book." -- Bella Caledonia

"Richard McLauchlan takes us through the story of the pipes, from their beginnings depicted in early medieval church stonework to their mature use ... alive with the author's enthusiasm for the instrument. " --TLS

A diverse history of the pipes--from inspiring terror on battlefields to enriching cultures worldwide.