Journey into Africa
‘…this book represents the very best in geographical discovery and achievement, not once, but twice over. It is a richly deserved accolade [From Prof. Charles Withers, University of Edinburgh] for this is a remarkable volume comprising a meticulously and comprehensively researched geo-historical biography and one which is uniquely characterised by its resonating Scottish geographical connotations.’
Prof. Alison McLeery (Napier University) in the Journal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Journal, 2005.
‘The verve with which McCarthy has undertaken this task comes across every page of this book. Not only did he conduct extensive research in numerous public and private archives to piece together the salient traits and moments of Keith’s life, but he went back to East Africa himself in 2001 trying to find his gravesite…its narrative gives rise to a captivating illustration of life in Scotland and in Africa… (an) immensely readable biography.’
Wulf Bodenstein, The Portolan, Journal of the Washington Map Society, Issue, 60 (Fall 2004) and Newsletter of the Brussels International Map Collectors’ Circle
The Road to Tanganyika
‘James McCarthy is to be congratulated for bringing these diaries to our attention, and for making the Malawi section more widely available for the first time.’
Foreword by Prof. T. Jack Thompson, University of Edinburgh
Selim Aga
‘McCarthy’s account concludes a well-researched and eloquent tribute to an extraordinary Afro-Scot.’
Prof. John Hargreaves, Northwards Now, Winter 2006/7
‘The story he reveals is fascinating both for its historical background and as a record of one individual’s courage, versatility, strength and, against all the odds, survival into his late forties…I am delighted to have made his acquaintance in the pages of James McCarthy’s book.’
In Foreword by James Robertson, prize-winning novelist and Writer-in-Residence to the Scottish Parliament.
‘The life of one former slave is restored to us and, and from the mountains of his Nuba homeland to his adopted Aberdeenshire, from the ancient glories of the Nile to the heart of darkness of the Niger, what a life it was.’
Billy Kay, author and broadcaster.
‘…all the ingredients of a Hollywood blockbuster.’
The Voice, 2006
‘A vivid, compelling biography…provides compulsive reading in its own right’
Andrew Murray, Book Banter, Autumn, 2006
Monkey Puzzle Man
‘This richly detailed account of the life and travels of Archibald Menzies is a most welcome addition to the literature of botanical exploration…thanks to James McCarthy, we now have a satisfyingly comprehensive account of the life of a Scot who travelled the world as a surgeon-naturalist in the Royal Navy.’
Foreword by Prof. Stephen Blackmore, FRSE, Regius Keeper, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Jamesmccarthy’s Weblog
Just another WordPress.com weblog
‘…Mccarthy has succeded in putting together a splendid account of a remarkable Scot …This a most professionally written and scholarly work and not expensive considering its detailed research and the quality of its illustrations…there are plenty more well-told episodes in this excellent and much recommended book, not least how Menzies came to collect seeds of Araucaria araucana, the tree named in the title,
Thomas Huxley BRISC Recorder News NO 70
An Inhabited Solitude
‘.….an engaging introduction to the mysteries of Scotland’s people and landscapes. Difficult concepts are described in simple terms, providing the interested Scot or tourist with an invaluable overview of the country. The interdependent links between land and people are convincingly pointed up. Scotland’s diverse culture, wildlife and landscapes are properly celebrated throughout. But it is in its final chapter that the book comes into its own. Here we are given a personal, thought-provoking look at the nation today and its prospects in the next millennium. This is a book which will appeal to a wide audience. It fills and important niche which, to my knowledge, is filled by no other publications.’
Betsy King, Chief Executive, Scottish Environmental Educational Council
‘Wild Scotland is a direct appeal to ordinary people to learn more about the sheer variety of the country’s natural habitats. It enthusiastically lists forest, mountain, loch, and coastal locations where different species of flora and fauna can be observed, has sections on protected areas and the law relating to the environment, and is illustrated with photographs by Laurie Campbell….it is a handbook for intelligent tourists, whether overseas visitors or natives in search of their own country.’
James Robertson in Scotland on Sunday 23 August 1998
By all means get a copy of Wild Scotland for your glove compartment if you are heading into the countryside to seek out Scotland’s wildlife, but there is plenty here to amuse the armchair rambler too.’
Publishing Scotland 19 March, 2007
’…Two very impressive books [Scotland, Land and People and Wild Scotland] and if I had to recommend two volumes about Scotland – its history, wildlife and natural heritage – then these are the two that I would put at top of the list.’ R.C
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