Description

Chosen as a ‘Book of the Year’ by Alastair Campbell on The Rest is Politics podcast: ‘Absolutely brilliant’

‘Alive with the author’s enthusiasm for the instrument.’ – TLS

‘Highly entertaining… highly readable … a very accessible history of the bagpipe, warts and all.’ – Bagpipe News

A diverse history of the pipes–from inspiring terror on battlefields to enriching cultures worldwide.

History’s first named bagpiper is a man playing a pipe ‘with a bag tucked under his armpit’ in the first century CE. He was the Roman Emperor Nero. Since then, this improbable conflation of bag and sticks has become the world’s most beloved and contested instrument. Another piping emperor, Tsar Peter the Great, decided that his departed pet bear would live on–as a bagpipe.

This vivid history tells the long story of an instrument boasting over 130 varieties, yet commonly associated with just one, from one country: Scotland’s Great Highland Bagpipe. In fact, the pipes are played across the globe, illuminating societies in remarkable, unexpected ways. Richard McLauchlan charts the rise of women pipers; investigates class, privilege and capitalism in the piping world; and explores how a ‘national instrument’ can shift in meaning amidst the currents of identity.

The vibrancy and inventiveness of today’s pipers showcase the allure of this fabled, fascinating instrument, to which McLauchlan is our surefooted guide.

A guide to one of the most loved and contested instruments of all time from a Scottish writer and piper
Emphasises the global history of the pipes and includes discussion of gender, class, privilege and capitalism in the piping world
Explores how the meaning behind a ‘national instrument’ can evolve with the currents of a people’s identity

Publisher Review

‘Richly entertaining and perceptive. A revelation for pipers like me, and for anyone interested in how an instrument can transform culture.’ — Alastair Campbell, author of But What Can I Do? and co-host of The Rest Is Politics ‘Richard McLauchlan takes us through the story of the pipes, from their beginnings depicted in early medieval church stonework to their mature use … alive with the author’s enthusiasm for the instrument.’ * TLS * ‘Highly entertaining… highly readable … while creating a very accessible history of the bagpipe in Scotland without ever losing the rigour required to provide a warts and all story.’ * Bagpipe News * ‘An absorbing, thoughtful, and often surprising book.’ * Bella Caledonia * ‘After The Bagpipes: A Cultural History, I was overwhelmed with pride and love for the instrument and a greater understanding of its impact on the world.’ * Pipes and Drums Magazine * ‘The Bagpipes is a pleasure to read… this is the book I am giving to every person I know who expresses even the slightest interest in piping and the pipes.’ * Piping Press * ‘McLauchlan’s passion for Scotland and the bagpipes is evident, supplying this companionable guide with moments of genuine excitement.’ * Classical Music Daily * ‘Historically insightful and full of character. Richard has captured the essence and beauty of piping’s vibrant culture with historical, musical and characterful insight.’ — Finlay MacDonald, world-renowned piper and composer ‘With infectious enthusiasm for his subject, Richard McLauchlan traces the cultural significance of the bagpipes across the globe and over many centuries. His multi-storied and learned account reveals the bagpipes’ history to be just as intricate and variegated as the most complex piobaireachd/pibroch tunes showcased by its virtuosi practitioners.’ — Clare Jackson, author of Devil-Land: England under Siege 1588-1688