THE CLANS, SEPTS, AND REGIMENTS OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Published by W. and A. K. Johnston, Edinburgh, 1965, hardcover, illustrated, fold-out map, index, 624 pages, clan tartacondition: fair.ns in colour, 

This book has been reprinted many times since it was first published in 1908. Unlike many 'potted' clan histories, there is an attempt to describe the history, law and society of Gaelic Scotland (the Scottish Highlands). Like others of its kind, the focus is on the elite, the chiefs, precedence, and the decisions of the Lyon Court. The nineteenth century clearances are barely mentioned. However, much information, such as the chief's household men, plant badges, and satellite clans, is rarely found in other sources.

The tensions caused by the imposition of feudalism on a society based on kinship are better understood by authors such as Hugh Cheape and I. F. Grant (Periods in Highland History). An excellent history of the transformation of the clans is T.M. Devine's 'Clanship to Crofters' War: The Social Transformation of the Scottish Highlands'.

Adam's mentions the controversy about clan tartans, but doesn't clarify the issue. Tartans were named for clans after the 'clan system' had developed into the 'crofting system'--after 1780.