Aberdeen Beyond the Granite

Ian R Mitchell explores Aberdeen's rich history, culture, and transformation.

Perfect for anyone interested in Scottish urban history.

About the Ebook

Now known as the oil capital of Europe, this description does scant justice to a rich history of adventurers, writers and revolutionaries. Historian and Aberdonian-in-exile Ian R Mitchell gives us his Aberdeen, from the easily forgotten days prior to the discovery of North Sea oil to the present day.

'Aberdeen is a hugely intriging place with a unique character, as unique as the granite from which it has been built.' - IAN R MITCHELL

From the textiles, shipbuilding and fishing industries of the 19th and 20th centuries to the big questions surrounding the city's post-oil future, Mitchell looks at Aberdeen through the eyes of a one-time loon fae Torry, come home to a city transformed. In his affectionate, though critical, scrutiny of the town he used to know, Mitchell shows us a city to explore, with suggested walks, local history and stories of some of the neglected heroes of Aberdeen. Whether you're newly arrived or have lived here all your life, this book offers glimpses of an Aberdeen rarely seen - a city described by that great North-East writer Lewis Grassic Gibbon as 'exasperatingly loveable'.

Reviews

So is Ian Mitchell's psychogeographical, intermittently autobiographical, seven-fold daunder beyond and behind the silver city's glitz and glitter a worthy addition to the swelling, shelf-sagging stack of books about Aberdeen? I think it is. NORTHWORDS NOW, SPRING 2011

So as an Aberdonian in exile, Ian R Mitchell is impeccably placed to pen this honest and thoughtful tribute to the places and people that gave the granite city its unique character, combining the knowledge and understanding of a native with the clear-eyed inquisitiveness of a newcomer... Mitchell has honoured the spirit of [Aberdeen’s] fine, hard-working people with a splendid book... THE PRESS AND JOURNAL 

The author recognises his hometown is an often underloved place, but in this book he sets out an overwhelming case as to why this sentiment is undeserved. SCOTS MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Deep exploration of Aberdeen's complex heritage.
• From granite city to modern metropolis.
• Published by Luath Press, Scotland's leading independent publisher.
• A comprehensive portrait of a remarkable city.

About the Author

IAN R MITCHELL is a historian, who gave up teaching to devote himself to writing full time. After graduating from university in his native Aberdeen in 1973, Ian did postgraduate research at Leeds, followed by a British Council scholarship to study in Berlin. The author of articles in learned journals, and of a standard textbook on Bismarck, Ian taught for over 20 years at Clydebank College, mainly on German history. Increasingly interested in Scottish history and heritage, and a lifelong hillwalker, Ian has produced several other books, including Scotland’s Mountains before the Mountaineers, a pre-history of explorations and ascents in the Scottish mountains. Ian also writes frequently on outdoor matters for climbing journals and the general media. In addition, he gives talks and slide shows on his books.

Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: 15 May 2020

Print Length: 308 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781913025755

Format: Ebook

Language: English

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