Raw Spirit
  • Published: 17 October 2019
  • ISBN: 9781529124781
  • Imprint: Century
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 384
  • RRP: $42.99

Raw Spirit

In Search of the Perfect Dram

Buy from…
Amazon Booktopia Dymocks QBD Readings Your Bookstore Abbeys Boomerang Find local retailers Find local retailers Collins Fishpond Gleebooks Harry Hartog Kinokuniya Robinsons The Nile Mighty Ape

A beautiful hardback gift-edition with a new introduction by Ian Rankin. Raw Spirit is a fascinating journey through Scotland's famous distilleries with legendary author Iain Banks

New introduction by Ian Rankin
_________________________________________

‘One of the most playful and entertaining writers of our generation’
Val McDermid, Guardian

In an absorbing voyage as interesting to non-drinkers as to true whisky connoisseurs, sci-fi and literary author Iain Banks explores the rich heritage of Scottish whisky, from the most famous distilleries to the most obscure operations.

Whisky is more than a drink: it's a culture that binds together people, places and products far across Scotland's rugged terrain. Switching from cars to ferries to bicycles, Banks criss-crosses his homeland, weaving an engrossing narrative full of fascinating traditions, peculiar people, and the downright bizarre places he encounters on his journey down Scotland's great golden road.

'The book I return to most often . . . It's is like slipping into a warm bath.'
James Graham, THE TIMES (playwright and creator of ITV's Quiz)

'Filled withinsightful and witty observations . . . this is a rip-roaringand informative delve into the unique history and enduring appeal of this iconic spirit.'
VISIT SCOTLAND, 9 'must read' books
  • Published: 17 October 2019
  • ISBN: 9781529124781
  • Imprint: Century
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 384
  • RRP: $42.99
Categories:

About the author

Iain Banks

Iain Banks was born in Scotland in 1954. He came to widespread public notice in 1984 with the publication of his first novel, The Wasp Factory. He went on to gain enormous and popular critical acclaim with further works of fiction and science fiction. In 1993 he was acknowledged as one of the Best of Young British Writers. Iain Banks died in 2013 at the age of fifty-nine.

Praise for Raw Spirit

It does what every good book should manage to do, and what a hundred other books on whisky (and a thousand other books on Scotland) have signally failed to do: makes you want to go for a drink with the author.

Observer

Studded with bracing shots of pure insight and eloquence. And he's sound on the scotch as well.

Independent

A very readable and hugely informative book, and Bank’s gentle humour permeates the pages.

Time Out

It’s an engaging piece of work, part love letter, part memoir.

Esquire

A beautifully realised fusion of travelogue, social commentary and drinking guide. Scotland's most famous export is decanted into full-bodied, humorous prose.

Independent on Sunday

Banks' finely-honed sense of place makes you want to get on a train, head to the Highlands and never come back.

Arena

A very beguiling fusion of memoir, history and current affairs.

Glasgow Herald

Fiery, variegated, and full of delicious moments.

Literary Review

Raw Spirit charts its own course through the social landscapes of everywhere from Skye to Lothian, where obscure distilleries compete against the world-famous, with a wide cast of characters bringing them - and the liquor - to life.

Wanderlust

A voyage that a malt connoisseur of any level will find as enticing and as warming as that first sip of the nectar that has a history as rugged and unpredictable as Scotland’s enticing and formidable terrain.

The AND Guide

The book I return to most often . . . It's like slipping into a warm bath.

James Graham, THE TIMES

Thiswritten account of aroad-trip around the country’s distilleries in search of the ‘perfect dram’ is thebest substitute for the real deal[…] Filled withinsightful and witty observationsabout the whisky-makingprocess andthe peopleand places encounteredalong the way, this isa rip-roaringand informative delve into the unique history and enduring appeal of this iconic spirit.

Visit Scotland
penguin pop image
penguin pop image