The Scottish Gaël by James Logan, Two-Volume Set, Clan Campbell Provenance

An exceptional two-volume antique set of The Scottish Gaël; or, Celtic Manners, as Preserved Among the Highlanders, by James Logan. Richly illustrated and beautifully bound, this extensive historical work explores the traditions, dress, customs, and material culture of the Scottish Highlands, offering a fascinating record of Celtic life and heritage.

Originally published in 1831, Logan's work examines the history and customs of the Highland Scots, including clan organization, traditional clothing, weaponry, architecture, music, poetry, religious practices, and everyday life. Drawing upon historical accounts, antiquarian research, and surviving traditions, the volumes document the distinctive cultural practices of the Highlands during a period of significant social change.

James Logan (1794–1872) was a Scottish antiquarian and writer whose research focused on Highland history and Celtic culture. The Scottish Gaël became one of his best-known works, particularly valued for its detailed descriptions and illustrations of traditional Highland dress, arms, and customs. This edition was edited by the Reverend Alexander Stewart of Ballachulish and Ardgour, with an accompanying memoir and notes.

The volumes contain an extensive collection of illustrations, including striking hand-colored plates depicting Highland dress, tartans, military bonnets, and traditional costume. Additional black-and-white engravings illustrate early Celtic artifacts, weapons, tools, musical traditions, historical figures, and scenes from Scottish history. Particularly appealing are the colorful studies of Highland clothing and accessories, which provide a visual record of nineteenth-century interpretations of Scottish dress.

Both volumes are bound in warm brown three-quarter leather with beautifully marbled paper boards in complementary shades of caramel, cream, and chocolate. Raised spine bands, gilt decorative tooling, and contrasting burgundy and deep blue title labels give the set a distinguished appearance. An illustrated bookplate bearing the Kilberry name and heraldic crest is affixed inside, adding an interesting detail to the books' ownership history.

A particularly desirable set for collectors of Scottish history, Celtic antiquities, traditional costume, and illustrated nineteenth-century books. Equally appealing displayed in a traditional library or study, the richly patterned bindings and colorful interior plates make these volumes as decorative as they are historically interesting.

Provenance: Kilberry heraldic bookplate; The Campbells of Kilberry are a cadet branch (a secondary branch descending from a younger son) of Clan Campbell. A heraldic shield and crest surrounded by a ribbon or garter.  The family motto Ne Oublie Pas ("Do not forget"), which is a well-known Campbell motto.

Origin: Inverness and Edinburgh, Scotland, 1876
Author: James Logan (1794–1872)
Editor: Rev. Alexander Stewart, Ballachulish and Ardgour
Publisher: Hugh Mackenzie, Inverness; Maclachlan & Stewart, Edinburgh
Binding: Brown three-quarter leather with marbled paper boards, raised spine bands, gilt tooling, and contrasting burgundy and blue title labels
Illustrations: Hand-colored plates and black-and-white historical illustrations
Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear to the leather bindings, including rubbing, scuffing, and surface cracking. One volume exhibits a visible split along the exterior spine joint, as photographed. Marbled boards show wear consistent with age. Interior pages exhibit scattered foxing, spotting, and toning. Please review photographs carefully for condition details.

Sold as a complete set of two volumes.