- Publisher: Birlinn
- Year: 2024
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 368pp
- Illustrated: Yes
- Dimensions: 240x162mm
- Condition: New
- Weight: 0.6kg
- ISBN: 9781780278810
- Product code: 547156
The Gravity of Feathers
Fame, Fortune and the Story of St Kilda
Andrew Fleming New Hardback Illustrated
Postscript summary
When the last inhabitants of St Kilda, a rocky archipelago 40 miles west of the Hebrides, were evacuated in 1930, an inability to adapt to the modern world was often cited as the reason. Using archival and archaeological evidence, Andrew Fleming recreates the life and culture of the islands, challenging the perspectives of 19th-century tourists to reveal the role of tetanus, emigration and conflict between Christian sects in the community’s demise.
Product information
Full publisher description
Shortlisted for The Wolfson History Prize.
Discover the true story of St. Kilda.
When the last 36 inhabitants of St Kilda, 40 miles west of the Scottish Hebrides, were evacuated in 1930, the archipelago at 'the edge of the world' lost its permanent population after five millennia.
It has long been accepted that the islanders' failure to adapt to the modern world was its demise. Andrew Fleming overturns the traditional view. Unafraid of highlighting dark times, he shows how they sacrificed their reputation as an uncorrupted, ideal society to embrace and exploit the tourist trade. Creating a prestigious tweed, exporting the ancestors of today's Hebridean sheep, the islanders gained access to consumer goods and learned how to play politics to their advantage.
This book tells the absorbing and eventful story of St Kilda from earliest times, up to the evacuation and its aftermath. Previously untapped sources and fresh insights bring to life the personalities, feelings, attitudes and rich culture of the islanders themselves, as well as the numerous outsiders who engaged with the remote island community.
Discover the true story of St. Kilda.
When the last 36 inhabitants of St Kilda, 40 miles west of the Scottish Hebrides, were evacuated in 1930, the archipelago at 'the edge of the world' lost its permanent population after five millennia.
It has long been accepted that the islanders' failure to adapt to the modern world was its demise. Andrew Fleming overturns the traditional view. Unafraid of highlighting dark times, he shows how they sacrificed their reputation as an uncorrupted, ideal society to embrace and exploit the tourist trade. Creating a prestigious tweed, exporting the ancestors of today's Hebridean sheep, the islanders gained access to consumer goods and learned how to play politics to their advantage.
This book tells the absorbing and eventful story of St Kilda from earliest times, up to the evacuation and its aftermath. Previously untapped sources and fresh insights bring to life the personalities, feelings, attitudes and rich culture of the islanders themselves, as well as the numerous outsiders who engaged with the remote island community.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller
Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere
Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging
Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price
All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue
Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters
Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog
Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare
We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
- • Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
- • Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
product
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/the-gravity-of-feathers
547156
The Gravity of Feathers
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/547156_media-0.jpg
9.99
9.99
GBP
InStock
/New Arrivals
/New Arrivals/History New Arrivals
/History
/History/Categories/General History
/Non-Fiction/Highlights/Books About Scotland
/Non-Fiction/Highlights/Island Life
When the last inhabitants of St Kilda, a rocky archipelago 40 miles west of the Hebrides, were evacuated in 1930, an inability to adapt to the modern world was often cited as the reason. Using archival and archaeological evidence, Andrew Fleming recreates the life and culture of the islands, challenging the perspectives of 19th-century tourists to reveal the role of tetanus, emigration and conflict between Christian sects in the community’s demise.
Hardback
0
0
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/547156_media-1.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/547156_media-2.jpg
add-to-cart
rrp_info:£25.00
productId:187547
bic_code:HBJD1, HBTB, WQH
HBJD1, HBTB, WQH
£25.00
Andrew Fleming
General
240x162mm
Birlinn
Yes
Hardback
British & Irish
