About the Author

Ian Crofton was born in Edinburgh and worked for Collins in Glasgow before moving to London, where he has been a freelance writer and editor for 25 years. Previous books include Brewer's Dictionary of Curious Titles; Brewer's Britain and Ireland (with John Ayto); Brewer's Cabinet of Curiosities and A Dictionary of Art Quotations.

Reviews

'It is nigh impossible to reach the item you first set out to read without being sidetracked by other beguiling morsels'
*Herald*

'This is the best compendium of Scottish life, lore, language and literature'
*The Times*

 'This is such a linguistic and etymological treasure trove that once picked up it is virtually impossible to put down'
*Scottish Field*

'A fascinating collection of words, phrases and stories'
*Dundee Courier*