The Buke of the Howlat
Written by James Robertson / Illustrated by Kate Leiper
£6.99
197 in stock
About the Book
Originally written in the 1440s by Richard Holland, a Scottish cleric who was chaplain to Archibald Douglas, Earl of Moray, The Buke of the Howlat is one of the great poetic gems of fifteenth-century Scots. Believing himself to be ugly, a young owl (howlat) decides to speak to the most handsome bird of all, the peacock, and ask his help so that Nature can change him. But the peacock isn't sure this should be done - after all, Nature doesn't usually make mistakes - and summons a council of birds to make a decision. A huge feast takes place, and Nature herself appears and orders all the birds present to give the owlone of their feathers. But the result is not what they expect. The howlat's initial joy turns to unbearable arrogance at his new found beauty, and drastic action must be taken ...
The Authors
James Robertson
James Robertson is a writer of the highest quality. His second novel, Joseph Knight, won the two major Scottish literary prizes in 2003/4 - the Saltire Scottish Book of the Year and the Scottish Arts Council Book of the Year. He has also published stories, poetry and anthologies. He was the Scottish Parliament's first writer in residence and lives in Angus.
Kate Leiper
Kate Leiper is an artist and illustrator who regularly exhibits and undertakes commissions throughout the UK. She is particularly drawn to mythical and animal subjects and has previously worked on Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales and An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures (both publisher by Floris). She also illustrated The Book of the Howlat (text by James Robertson), published by Birlinn in 2016
