George Marwick: Yesnaby's Master Storyteller

George Marwick, 1836-1912, was born and bred of crofting folk in the isolated township of Yesnaby on the west coast of the Mainland of Orkney, exposed to the Atlantic storms but sheltered from 19th century improvements.

He became a surveyor and worked in Canada and Hoy before returning to his first love, the people, Traditions and folklore of the West Mainland. For a quarter of a century he was a popular speaker on these subjects at local events.

This volume contains all his known writings, many published for the first time.

Geordie, as he was known, was not always accurate and his etymology in particular is now dated, but his profuse and detailed records of folklore, local traditions, dialect and archaeology are unique, and provide a fresh and an invaluable contribution to our knowledge of Orkney's rich heritage.

The royalties of this book are being donated to the Orkney Heritage Society.