Worth A Read Yes
Length 192
Quick Review Tartan is inextricably linked with Scotland in the minds and hearts of people around the world, but it has a long and not always Scottish story.
I’m a wee bit obsessed with Scotland. I was supposed to go on a month-long trip to explore the cities and countryside in November 2020, but alas a pandemic had other ideas. Until I can make my way across the pond, I’ll be reading and researching all the amazing things Scotland has to offer. In August, I went to the Renaissance Faire with my person and his family. The weekend: Scottish Highlands. I don’t have the money to go all in on the highland theme, but I did buy a tartan shawl and this book, Scottish Tartan and Highland Dress; A Peculiar History by Fiona Macdonald.
History and fashion collide in this teeny book on an iconic cultural and national symbol, which happens to be a fabric with roots going back more than three millennia. I’m such a fan of fun facts, and Macdonald really finds a ton of facts and interesting anecdotes about tartan, reaching all the way back to the oldest known tartan found in Tarim Basin (Northwest China) from 1200 BC.
It would be impossible to talk about tartan without discussing the fundamentals of weaving and/or Scottish history. Macdonald leaves no stone untraced as she broaches subjects ranging from feminist takes, appropriation, erasure, and so much more. Often she doesn’t adequately explain the topics to do them enough justice in the mention, but I like that she tries. The book creates a comprehensive look at tartan and the role it has played in Scottish history, culture, and fashion. Though the writing itself is quite rudimentary, Macdonald utilizes primary and secondary sources to weave the story and includes gaelic words with their meanings for authenticity. There was a real focus on men’s fashion, probably because kilts have an allure, but I think female’s fashion was largely neglected.
This is really a mixed review because the writing is lacking, but the amount of research and information included is quite comprehensive. From lists of tartans commissioned—including Burberry, Lady Boys of Bangkok, Yukon, Hello Kitty, Braveheart (the film), and so, so many more—to stories about royalty decorating castles in tartan to what’s under the kilt to more. Scottish Tartan and Highland Dress is a wonderful place to start for a basic overview, but if you’re wanting something detailed, I would look elsewhere.
Memorable Quotes
“More than ever before, tartan had become a symbol.”
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Title: Scottish Tartan and Highland Dress; A Very Peculiar History
Author: Fiona Macdonald
Publisher: Book House
Copyright: 2012
ISBN: 9781908759894