Amazon.com
He's written shamelessly for more than a decade and a half about his passion for 12- and 15-year-olds. He's described his dalliances with loves named Heather and Peat and some three dozen named Glen. His name is Michael Jackson. Relax. We're talking here about the Britain-based, award-winning drinks and spirits writer and author of, among other classic reference works, Michael Jackson's Beer Companion.
In Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch, devotees of the dram can peruse the latest revised edition of the 1989 work. In 336 pages brimming with maps, photos, and informed overview of factors such as geography and flavor components--even proximity to the sea--Jackson sketches the evolution of Scotch whisky, from the prebottling days, when shopkeepers like Johnnie Walker and the Chivas Brothers would create their own blends for sale, to the late-1960s and 1970s' surge of individual distilleries marketing their own bottlings. Lamentably labeling the former as a time when "orchestrations drowned out the soloists," Jackson provides some sweet sheet music of his own: 294 pages are devoted to an A-to-Z review (including full-color labels and tasting notes) of more than 800 singles from "every Scottish malt distillery that has ever witnessed its product in a bottle." It's the perfect book to take to your local liquor store next time you're trying to navigate the high shelf of Scotland's highlands, lowlands, and islands. You may laugh at Jackson's description of Auchentoshan Select's "oily" nose with "hints of citrus zest" or Aberlour 10-year-old's "mint-toffee" bouquet. But you'll be laughing out of the other side of your haggis when you actually smell them. All the notes are well researched and designed to appeal to Cardhu-carrying connoisseurs, as well as those who'd just like to know more about Bowmore. In his introduction, the author describes a whisky's finish as "a crescendo, followed by a series of echoes. When I leave the bottle, I like to be whistling the tune." Scotch drinkers will find plenty to wet that whistle in Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch. --Tony Mason
Book Description
Michael Jackson is renowned for his pithy wisdom and a remarkable ability to evoke aromas and flavors. This fully revised and expanded edition of MICHAEL JACKSON'S COMPLETE GUIDE TO SINGLE MALT SCOTCH is the definitive guide to single malt whisky and its producers worldwide. The completely new introduction incorporates Jackson's most recent research on the origins and evolution of the water of life, the nature of aromas and flavors, and regional differences. The book's core is the comprehensive A-to-Z of single malts, arranged by distillery. Each entry offers a new introduction and key information, and features Jackson's evocative, highly regarded tasting notes and ratings. This edition features a refreshed design, specially commissioned photographs of distilleries, and more than 1,000 tasting notes.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent for reviews and consistency, with some reservations.......2007-05-06
Michael Jackson's "Complete Guide To Single Malt Scotch" is an encyclopedic collection of scotch knowledge and reviews of the most common offerings from every one of the nearly hundred malt distilleries in Scotland.
The book starts off by offering a concise education about the origins of scotch, interpretation of scotch labels, flavors, regional variations and factors that influence the taste of scotch all distilled down to less than eighty pages with numerous color pictures.
After you read the first section you will have a some idea about the decisions that affect the taste of your scotch, for example you might be able to tell whether the dram in your glass was matured in bourbon cask or a sherry cask and make some educated guesses about the shape of the copper stills that the scotch was distilled in.
However the first section was just the warm up. The real meat of the book is the second section which is an exhaustive listing of the most common offerings from every one of Scotland's roughly hundred or so malt distilleries with reviews written in Michael Jackson's signature concise style and a ranking on a 100 point scale. If you're like me you'll find yourself reading the first section and then coming back to both sections periodically for quick reference on a particular distillery or region. The second section is more of a reference and not meant to be read linearly.
And now I come to what makes this book unique. Michael Jackson is almost pathologically consistent in his review ratings, more so than the other popular whisky reviewers e.g. Paul Pacult. Taste is highly personal and subjective so it is unlikely you will agree with any one reviewer's ratings 100% of the times however Michael Jackson is very consistent about the factors that he rates well. I found that he especially appreciates robust full bodied whiskies with complex taste with no big surprises i.e. the nose should be a fairly good indicator of what the whisky will deliver in the mouth. Predictability is a fine quality in a reviewer.
So while you may not always agree with him, reading his reviews and the ratings gives you a fairly good idea of what to expect from the whisky. This is what makes Michael Jackson such a great author. That and the encyclopedic listing of reviews makes this book a must buy for a scotch enthusiast like me.
Cons? Just a few. Like other Amazon reviewers have noted, he devotes an excessive amount of print to rare and expensive offerings that the average scotch drinker will never come across in his lifetime. Also his reviews are too concise. I would recommend getting this book for its unique merits but also looking into the writings of other scotch reviewers like F Paul Pacult, Jim Murray and Dave Broom who have a more engaging and conversational style of writing, and will help round out your scotch education.
Can't go wrong with this book!.......2007-04-02
I bought this a few years ago coinciding with my introduction to whiskey (Balvenie Double Wood purchased at the Duty Free @ Gatwick). It was because of this book that I visited Scotland to delve into the mystery of Scotch Whiskey. I went to Glenfiddich, McCallum, and Abelour solely on Michael Jacksons' recommendations. I don't have the greatest pallet in the world but Jackson has been dead on for even a novice such as myself. I would have never picked up a Highland Park, Ardbeg, or Craigenmore if had not been for him.
Great book!
Wonderful Reference.......2007-02-22
This was a gift for my husband and he has enjoyed the reviews immensely. He feels they are right on target and most informative.
Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch.......2007-01-15
Excellent, comprehensive reference for anyone who enjoys single malt scotch whiskey.
Great to Pair with a bottle of scotch.......2007-01-10
The book is easy to read and was a great pairing idea with a bottle of scotch for a lucky recipient
Book Description
The Worlds Largest Collection in Print
New third edition now includes 28 volume index to the Irish Families series
The Best and Final Edition.
Over 45,000 entries total:
700 illustrated coats of arms
Origins & Locations
Includes families settled from Scotland, England, etc...
Ancient Maps and illustrations
All 32 counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland (Ulster).
396 full size pages.
There is no other like this one ! A magnificent world class illustration of Irish Family History, this book is the culmination of 4 decades of research by the I.G.F.. Hundreds of families from each county are given in Part One with family history. Over 45,000 family names are given in specific counties or Poor Law Unions.
This is the new third edition (2003), which includes select family histories. For the first time ever, the index for the first 28 volumes in the Irish Families set is also included. The famous and large families like Murphy, Kelly, Sullivan, O'Brien, Ryan, Kennedy, Walsh, Daugherty and Donahue are of course in this book, as are thousands more, including rarely found families that settled in Ireland from England, Scotland, Wales, and the continent. Among the hundreds of settler names are those of Betagh; Coppinger; Trench; Coplan; Hall; Green; Hunter; McKenzie; Baker; Howell; Bellew and many more.
Families from England
Many English families have settled in Ireland from the 12th century onwards. Often, the native Irish were forced to "translate" their names into English sounding ones. The 50 most numerous names from England in 1853 are given, along with hundreds of family history extracts on specific families like Smith; Jones; Williams and Taylor.
Families from Scotland
Due to the proximity of the north of Ireland and the south of Scotland, migration between the two countries has been constant. A great settlement of Scottish families took place in the 17th century during the plantation of Ulster by the British Crown. Later, some of these 'planter' families came to America, becoming known as the Scotch Irish or Scots Irish. The 50 most numerous names of Scotland are given, along with hundreds of family histories, including families like McDonald; Brown; Thomson and Robertson.
Families from the German Palatinate
Families came to Ireland in the 18th century from the Palatinate of the Rhine. In 1709 some 7,000 arrived in England and many settled in Co. Limerick, Ireland and America. Some of these are families like Bowen, Baker; Delmege and Pyper.
Danish or Viking Families
The Danes (Lochlainders, Ostmen or Vikings), had colonies in Ireland for centuries. Centered in Dublin and Meath (in Fingall), and in Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Limerick, settling primarily in the coastal counties of Ireland from the 8th century on. These Viking families include: Betagh; Coppinger; Palmer; Plunket and Skiddy, among many others given in this work.
Jewish Families in Ireland
Many Russian and Polish Jews settled on the south side of Dublin city from the late 1800's. These included the families of Coplan, Fridberg, Greenberg, Weiner, Maisell and many others given in this work.
Welsh Families in Ireland
Families by the name of "Walsh" (in Irish, Brannagh or Breathnach), meaning a Briton or Welshman, are found early in Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Killarney, Tipperary, Wexford, Waterford and Galway. Some of these families were: Howell, Lawless, Lillis, Lynagh and Rossiter. Many are included in this work
Anglo Norman Families in Ireland
The Anglo Norman invasions of the 12th century brought many new families to Ireland. Some took on Irish names. Anglo Norman families in Ireland include: Barry; Bellew; Bermingham; Burke; Carew and Clare, among hundreds of others given in this book along with family history notes.
Huguenot Families in Ireland
French and Fleming Huguenot families settled in the 17th century in Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, and Lisburn, etc... They were noted for making linen, cloth and lace. Some of these families were those of Barre; Perrin; Hazard; Hassard; Lefanu; Trench and many others as given in this work.
'Irish Families' Contains many family names left out of other popular works, including those of Edward MacLysaght, Patrick Woulfe and John O'Hart. The best single book for finding any Irish family surname, there are more names, arms, and locations here than in any other book . Truly a 'must have' resource for finding numerous and scarce names in Ireland.Format of this Book
Entries on family names are arranged in the following order:
(1) When available, the coat of arms linked to the name appears above the name which is in bold type. All arms shown in this volume were actually used by families in Ireland, acknowledged by recognized authorities.
(2) Beneath the name is the source from which the arms are taken.
(3) Occasionally we list a Gaelic or more ancient form of the name on the next line in regular type. (note we have not punctuated these). We suggest those interested in the gaelic consult Irish Names and Surnames by the Rev. P. Woulfe. The IGF edition of that work contains a new surname index, which proves most helpful to researchers.
(4) The next line, in italics, gives variant spellings of the name as available.
(5) The history associated with the name
The amount of information found will vary with each name. Please consult all possible spellings of the name. More information may appear in other volumes to this Irish Families set. Names not covered here will appear in other volumes of our Irish Families, great & small series. The surname index to this first volume , (and to volumes 2 through 28), is found in part III of this book. The researcher should consult that index as well as the location index found in part II of this book.
The location index (see part II) represents extracts taken from larger, more detailed listings found in the Master Book of Irish Surnames. Space limitations do not allow reprinting all the index listings found in that book. In fact, there are over 50,000 listings from that book which we did not have room for at all! We have included as many surnames as possible to give hope to Irish family researchers. These listings may prove particularly helpful for those with less common names. The student of Irish family names would do well to consult that work independently.
Maps and Illustrations
Province Map
showing Munster; Leinster; Connacht; Meath;
Oriel; Aileach; and Ulster.
Key to Terms
Including useful terms and abbreviations used.
Ancient Map
Showing territorial divisions upon the coming of the Vikings to Ireland. Includes Tirconnell; Tirowen; Uladh; Uriel; Brefney; Hy Fiachrach; Hy Many; West Meath; East Meath; Offelan; Fine Gall; Offaly; Omurethy; Leix; Ormond; Thomond; Desmond; Decies; and Hy Kinshelagh.
13th Century Norman Map
Showing unconquered areas, and areas of Norman Rule & influence.
Administrative Divisions
Listing the major territorial divisions of Ireland, including: The Province; The County; The Barony; The Parish; The Townland; and Poor Law Unions.
Ireland, showing railways map
Showing railway routes in Ireland on the map.
Source List
List of helpful resources.
Key to Poor Law Unions and registrars dist.
A Listing of the Unions along with registrars districts that they contained.
Family Research sources and tips
Tips for the family researcher.
Barony Map
Showing 325 baronies of Ireland on the map by county. The barony was used an a unit in 19th century land valuations.
Ireland Map
Written Chart naming Families settling in Ireland
Showing families from other nations known to have settled in Ireland.
Ireland upon coming of the Vikings.
Showing the divisions of Thomond; Desmond; Decies; Ossory; Hy Kinshelagh; Ormond; Hy Many; Offaly; Leix; Omurethy; Offelan; Fine Gall; Brefney; Hy Fiachrach; Tirconnell; Tirowen; Uladh; and Uriel.
A One of A Kind Resource
This is the number one collection of Irish Families ever to appear in print. This Master volume alone, exceeds any other single book in the field. It is a one of a kind beauty - never equalled. There are more Irish Family names, spellings, locations, arms and sources here than in any other single book ever published.
The Final Word This book contains information on families in all 32 counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Later volumes in this series focus on individual counties, and contain additional information, not found in this volume.
New Third Edition. Available only with Thread sewn soft binding. 396 pages. maps, resource list for family research. Family Histories. Additionally includes Master Index to the Irish Families series. Full 8 1/2 x 11 in size.
Customer Reviews:
Total Waste Of Money.......2007-09-08
This book is a huge disappointment. All it lists is surnames and if any a short sentence about the name. For instance Moylan: an old irish family.
Totally a huge waste of money.
Irish Family names.......2007-08-01
A great book giving information on Irish Family names and regions they are found in. A very useful book for those doing Irish family research.
Disappointed.......2007-01-14
This book covers a huge range of Irish names, however only provides minimal information on each and coat of arms for the select few. It provided the same information that is easily found on the web.
Be sure you get the third edition.......2005-04-29
The third edition of this work is definitely the best. It contains the index to the entire 28 volumes in the series, which covers every county in Ireland. The second edition was published earlier, and does not contain the complete index to the series. The third edition has all the family history information from the second edition, PLUS the complete series info. This book contains the largest collection of Irish Family Names, locations and arms ever put to print.
A solid and accessibly presented genealogical reference.......2003-02-14
Now in an expanded and updated third edition, The Book Of Irish Families Great & Small by genealogy expert Michael C. O'Laughlin (Editor of the monthly "Journal of Irish Families) is a solid and accessibly presented genealogical reference based upon ancient and modern manuscripts. Offering 20,000 Irish family names, 700 illustrated coats of arms, ancient maps and illustrations, step-by-step guides for tracing Irish family roots, and so much more, The Book Of Irish Families Great & Small is a first-rate and enthusiastically recommended reference for any dedicated genealogist or aspiring family historian seeking to track down their Irish roots.
Book Description
Dispelling much of what he terms the 'mythology' of the Scotch-Irish, James Leyburn provides an absorbing account of their heritage. He discusses their life in Scotland, when the essentials of their character and culture were shaped; their removal to Northern Ireland and the action of their residence in that region upon their outlook on life; and their successive migrations to America, where they settled especially in the back-country of Pennsylvania, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, and then after the Revolutionary War were in the van of pioneers to the west.
Customer Reviews:
An interesting, if prejudiced, look at the Ulster Scots.......2007-04-08
Prof. Leyburn obviously did some study on his subject, and it shows in this book. He is able to recount in fair detail the history of "the Scotch Irish", but it is plain how little he thought of them. It seems that his underlying goal is to correct the "overpraise" the Ulster Scots have received from some quarters. His descriptions of the Scots could have been penned by the most bigoted English historian. Leyburn has used such disparaging accounts of the Scots in their homeland that one would be lead to believe that Cro-Magnons could teach them some things about hygiene and manners, but due to the lack of Cro-Magnons, God gave the Scots the English to help them.
His contention that the Ulster Scots did not remain Ulster Scots but became "Americans" is not wholly true. While those states with a large number of people with Scots ancestry have always been among the first to defend this country and stand up to the rest of the world as Americans, they have also been very rooted in the history of their people and their family. I grew up in the South in an area of heavy Scots/Ulster Scots ancestry, where the current use of words from Scotland and Ulster continues by the elder generation. The people there have all been born in America, but they are quicker to point out that they are "Scotch Irish" than they are to say American. They raised their children to be the same way. The United States may be the place of birth, but the blood is Scots.
The birth and assimilation of a people.......2005-09-27
Book contents: foreword - 2pp, table of contents - 4 pp, text -344pp (including 5 maps), timeline of Scotland - 3pp, notes -16pp, bibliography - 19pp, and index - 5 pp.
Overall the book was very good, particularly for someone like myself who wasn't certain his roots were Scotch or Scotch Irish. It was well researched.
The maps of America were not particularly helpful. It was not immediately clear how they fit into the colonies as a whole, and it was sometimes difficult to picture migration patterns. There were no arrows on the maps or other indications of patterned settlement or movement to complete the text descriptions.
The timeline was helpful, but it was only of Scotland up to 1690. A timeline for the Scotch Irish from 1610 forward would have been more germane.
The book first covers Scottish culture prior to the migration of Lowland Scots to Northern Ireland. Then in 1610 King James of England opened Northern Ireland, aka Ulster, to both English and Scottish settlers at the expense of the native Irish. This act set the stage for the current strife and political separation of Northern Ireland.
Through four generations, the Scottish settlers in Northern Ireland became culturally separated from the Scotland of their origin. Then many of them immigrated to America in five great waves between 1717 and 1775, entering colonial America primarily through Pennsylvania and migrating south through the Virginia valley. Initially, these people were commonly referred to as Irish. The term "Scotch Irish" was later invoked to distinguish them from the Irish immigrating to America from the southern part of Ireland.
The lives and contributions of the Scotch Irish in America are described. Separate identity of the Scotch Irish essentially ends with the American Revolution, after which these people meld into the overall cultural fabric of the United States.
Scottish people don't refer to themselves as "Scotch".......2005-07-27
Scots, maybe, but usually just plain Scottish. Scotch is a common name for whisky. It amazes me how many people here tell me that they are "Scotch-Irish" - to me it makes them sound like an idiot.
"For They Desired a Better Country"-Hebrews 11:16.......2004-03-18
This is the first book I've read about the Scotch Irish and seems to be the accepted standard on the subject.
Professor Leyburn explains in his introduction that his book is "a social history of the Scotch-Irish. In this day of specialization, a social historian who undertakes to recount the life of people through three centuries and in three countries knowingly risks his scholarly head. Experts in Scottish, Irish, and American colonial history can only regard him as...ignorant of the finer points within their special fields. Scottish history is full of old controversies...Irish history has been so turbulent...few of its events is agreed upon." And Leyburn accomplishes this in only 330 pages. He divides his book into three parts:the Scot in 1600, the Scots in Ireland, the Scotch-Irish in America.
Being a southerner with Scotch-Irish roots in Tennessee, I was upset early on when Leyburn stated that Teddy Roosevelt's and others' claims that the Scotch-Irish were hardy, honorable folk was overblown. (Teddy's mother, Eleanor's grandmother, was a native Georgian, hardened, undoubtedly, by the Civil War's trials, Sherman's fiery footprints, amongst other things). Some of the trials of the Ulster scots in war and life and the deprivations they had to endure reminded me of the 40 day siege of Vicksburg, MS and the resiliency demonstrated by its citizens during the civil war. However, later on in the book, Leyburn's careful reasoning convinced me that he was more realistic. What stirred my thinking was Leyburn's comments in Chapter 16 when he states "political opinion and activity among the Scotch-Irish varied enormously from place to place. The whole mythology concerning this people rests upon a false assumption:that all Scotch-Irish thought alike. Why should they? They had come from different social classes back home; they entered America during six decades of remarkable fluctuation in ideas; they lived in colonies whose policies, attitudes, Indian problems, and progress toward stable institutions diverged widely." One can validate that statement easily by simply surfing the web and looking at the politics of numerous U.S. presidents with Scotch-Irish roots and see the "divergence" Leyburn speaks of.
I do believe, however, that Teddy Roosevelt's assertion that some Ulster Scots, Scotch-Irish, did play a pivotal role in early American history has many proofs. In Pennsylvania, as Leyburn recounts, in 1764, Ulster Scots pushed for equal representation within the state which was dominated by the minority quaker population concentrated around Philadelphia. That issue was one which the Scot felt most keenly following the Union of the crowns in 1707 accomplished during Queen Anne's reign; in parliament, Scots nobles were unfairly outnumbered by their English counterparts, see Paterson's History of Ayrshire.
I do believe some of these simple, biblically literate peoples, did desire a better country, and considered it their God-given task to try to make it a reality. The Baptists in Virginia, James Madison's state, were a significant force behind the freedom of religion/separation of church and state movement; ONE I FIRMLY BELIEVE MUST BE MAINTAINED! Just look at the bloody history of Christian Great Britain 300 years before the Revolutionary War; events that brought persecuted immigrants to the U.S. in the first place. The stuff seminarians don't study!
If you are an American doing geneaological research on your Scotch-Irish roots this is the resource book to get. I must add, too, if you have French Huguenot roots, they might have resided in Northern Ireland, in Ulster, before coming to America. I thought Leyburn was mistaken when he referred to Alexander Hamilton as an Ulster Scot. I know for a fact (court records) that his Hamilton ancestors were Scots from Ayrshire on the western coast of Scotland. That portion of Ayr, however, is extremely close to Northern Ireland, just a hop, skip, and a jump away! Alexander Hamilton's mother was French Huguenot, possibly her ancestors left Ulster to settle in Nevis, West Indies. Leyburn's statement is therefore correct again. Chapters 12 and 13 cover the conditions prompting immigration and the actual areas of settlement in colonial America of Scotch-Irish. Many people have been researching my Hamilton ancestors for years and can't get past 1780. Many of Leyburn's analyses are correct I believe.
A New Ireland by John Hume is on my books to read list about the 1998 Good Friday peace accord. Another book highly recommended to me is The Triumph of the Laity: Scots-Irish Piety and the Great Awakening, 1625-1760 by Marilyn J. Westerkamp. Hopefully, that book will give me a better understanding of my ancestors' background.
I gave the 5 star rating because I believe the subject matter warrants further study and is relevant for today. Truly understanding Ulster's history, (I believe), the conflicts, the circumstances and the social make-up of Northern Ireland itself, at distinct times in its history, is essential to the peace process there.
Thoroughly Documented & Well Written.......2004-01-25
Professor Leyburn left a valuable legacy in this volume. A niche of American history is covered that sadly, frequently goes overlooked. The Scotch-Irish are a substantial part of the U.S. population. Thankfully Dr. Leyburn told some of the story and it wasn't lost. He tells us in the foreword, "Histories of Scotland rarely devote more than a paragraph to the departure of thousands of Lowland Scots to Ireland in the seventeenth century." It is significant to Americans because "they came, two hundred thousand strong, to the American colonies in the eighteenth century."
They enthusiastically supported the American Revolution (as in significantly caused it to happen) and thought of themselves as "Americans" rather than Scotch-Irish.
This book covers their migrations, their lifestyles, the dominant element of the Christian religion in their society. It is informative, and to me, inspirational.
Customer Reviews:
The best there is on this line.......2003-01-22
I have to disagree somewhat with the other review of this book. I agree that it is a bit pricey but it is also available at lower prices. Consider that the Scotch isn't that popular and combine that with the fact that 4...Qh4 is very unpopular and you have a very small sales potential for this book. Add to that that it is authored by a world class grandmaster and that it is an encyclopaedic tome of all variations that follow in this opening. Further, there is nothing else on the market that has the information contained in this book. It is hard to see how this book could be inexpensive since high volume sales is out of the question. Although the product details on this site list the book as 208 pages, it is actually 272 pages.
The book itself is an exhaustive presentation of all the variations that can occur after 4...Qh4. Since this information is available nowhere else, this book is a treasure if you plan to defend with black or play against it with white.
A couple of observations: The defense is quite seductive because it seems to give black the advantage in all but two of white's responses. It's fun to whip the Queen out to h4 and threaten the pawn at e4 and in fact white allows you to play Qxe4 in many of white's approaches to this defense. 5 Nc3 seems to be about equal. The problem for black is that 5 Nb5 is so strong for white. White can easily let black play Qxe4+, develop a piece defending the check and force black to play Kd8 to defend against Nxc7+. White is down a pawn but black has his king in the middle and his rook on a8 with dim prospects of entering the game. In my database, white wins about 70% of these games. To be fair, there are better ways for black to play than Qxe4+ in the Nb5 variation but the Nxc7+ threat is cramping and makes for an unpleasant game for black. In the end, Gutman finds drawing chances in even the most difficult lines of this very complex defense.
This book is obviously not intended for the inexperienced player, it is for someone who is seriously working on their opening and is at the point where they are working on small parts of an overall plan. I feel that the short assessments of the variations provided by Gutman are sufficient and anyway the sort of explanation that would be required for beginning chessplayers would expand the size of this book to 600 pages or so.
For someone committed to playing the Scotch as white, I think this book is a must. Most Scotch sources just gloss over the Steinitz variation and the variation can be very dangerous (it scores nearly 50% overall in my database). Much of the old published analysis is faulty. Gutman's 2001 book is the last best word. If you decide to play 4...Qh4 as Black you need this book. Gutman has been playing this defense in correspondence games and has included some (all?) of that information in the book.
For awhile I have been playing the Nimzowitsch defense (1 e4 Nc6)and after the fairly common 2. d4 e5, if I face the fairly uncommon 3. Nf3 (dxe5 and d5 being by far the most common) , when I have nothing better than 3...exd4, transposing into the Scotch after 4. Nxd4. So I needed a defense to the Scotch. Someone whose opinion I respect suggested looking into the Steinitz. I have now done that. My conclusion: For my purposes it is too much material to try to learn for a variation I don't meet that often and playing against 5Nb5 is no fun. I opted for 4 Bb4+.
This is a well organized, nicely produced book that delivers exactly what you should be expecting in a large book devoted to an obscure variation. If it fits your needs, a strong buy recommendation.
I paid how much for that?!.......2001-07-25
I have been looking for a good book on the Qh4 line of scotch opening for sometime now. It is certainly a wild choice for black! This book does a good job on spending time on each variation (Horwitz, Modern, Fraser, Qd3), but it does not explain them very well. The book gives the variation, a short explanation of the strengths and weaknesses of the move and then shows a game or two with that line. A great improvement of the book would be more explaination of the variations.
Good values of the book: 1. A good number of diagrams for the line in discussion (a few more would be perfect). 2. All of the white and black choices covered. 3. Good for advanced players who want an indepth study of the Qh4 line.
Bad points of the book: 1. The organization of the book is alittle awkward. (But understandably so due to the many variations) 2. The "covered" choices are not explained indepth ie( consequences, strengths) 3. Not good for inexperienced players. 4. Very expensive for what you get.
This book certainly does cover the Qh4 line better than "The scotch game" by Peter Wells, who practically dismisses the move. In general, this book is only "ok". It could be improved on, and the price is too high. My opinion is, if you want to study the Qh4 line and are not on a tight budget, then buy this book because it is practically the only book on it.
Customer Reviews:
The Best of Its Kind.......1999-08-27
Echoing the other reviews posted here, I'd just like to add that this book is one of the best of its kind. Unlike a lot of books about scotch whisky which tell you loads about the distilliries yet nothing about the relative worth of the drams, this book calls 'em--the good, the mediocore, and the not so good. Mr. Jackson is an outstanding writer, by turns witty and intelligent, and his passion for scotch is evident and infectious. The beautiful layout work complements the writing.
If you have even a passing interest in single malts, you need this book. Buy it now. And don't let your friends swipe your copy, even though they'll want to.
I love this book!.......1999-06-28
If you love single malt whisky, you'll love this book. As a single malt lover, I use this book as a guide to explore the world of single malt whisky. Since I am stiil young and poor, it's not possible to taist too much whisky. You have to make a purchasing list for yourself. I am very happy to find out that this books can help me make the decision. I am not saying the point is everything. If you beleve your own taist, you do not have to agree with the author's comment. However, it's a way to build your own guide step by step. Until now, I have tried about 10 brands with about 30 different ages scotch. It's really an interesting world.
Authoritative.......1999-01-19
Jackson's book is the best of the lot. He brings a love of fine whisky to bear with no pre-established perceptions. Kyle Wallace
A compact, yet suprisingly complete guide to scotch whisky.......1998-09-05
Mr. Jackson has arranged a concise and easy to use encyclopedia for scotch whisky. The inclusion of over 300 malts has made it difficult for me to find a bottle that he has not listed, tasted, and graded. However; I derive the most pleasure from his descriptions of the hamlets, towns and hollows that surround the distilleries. A brief description of the malting process, and some history of scotch whisky, make this a good starting point for a novice taster. I am dismayed to see that it is out of print as I have found it to be a fine gift that has been appreciated by friends.
If I could only buy one book about Single Malts, this would be the one........1998-04-03
Although some have said that the practice of assigning a numerical rating scale to single malts is overgeneralizing and therefore inaccurate, I find it to be a useful guide and at least a valuable insight into the mind of someone who is known to be one of the world's foremost experts on single malts. True, rating single malts from 0-100 is sometimes akin to comparing diverse items such as a sunset, a Picaso, a good cup of coffee. Nonetheless, for the novice, this book offers tremendous insight. It describes the majority of house styles of all the distilleries, and provides a good brief history and explanation of the malting, brewing, distillation and aging processes necessary to create fluid works of art. A MUST for the novice single malt taster and the discriminating imbiber . My copy is worn, torn, dog-eared and used daily.
Book Description
Newly expanded and updated second edition! Finally! A book for the novice... Contrary to popular belief, Scotch is not just for old men sitting around stuffy country clubs...it's the original luxury spirit and it's now more popular than ever! But for someone who wants to learn about Scotch, it can be a little intimidating - overwhelming even - all those unfamiliar terms, different brands - the novice has no idea where to get started. Most books on the topic are written for those already familiar with Scotch and tend to concentrate on author ratings, distillery overviews, and tasting notes. They simply do not address the needs of someone new to Scotch. That's where The Instant Expert's Guide to Single Malt Scotch comes in. In the end, this book will equip readers with the fundamentals, enabling them to continue to explore the great taste of single malt Scotch whisky on their own. With new-found knowledge, what once seemed like an overwhelming number of choices will suddenly become an infinite number of unique possibilities to experience and enjoy!
Customer Reviews:
very shallow.......2007-10-02
only thing I liked about the book is the classification of whiskies by characteristics, but you can get that online free
Instant Expert's Guide to Single Malt Scotch.......2007-03-09
A great intro into the world of single malt scotch. A quick read with straight forward no bull info that you will use as a reference in the future. No regrets, don't hesitate, can't go wrong.
Banish your ignorance.......2006-06-08
Let me first say that I don't care much for Scotch. Actually let me refine that statement a bit-- Up and until recently I didn't care much for Scotch, due in large part to my utter and complete ignorance of the subject. That and the fact that my impressions of Scotch drinkers was one of boorish stock brokers bellied up to a bar pouring money down the drain faster then they could the whisky into their over fattened gullets.
In short I was constrained by ignorance, and quite frankly intimidation. The glistening row of top shelf bottles were as mysterious and as impenetrable as any exclusive country club. My head spun with questions. How does one even start? Should I simply order the most expensive one, and assume its the best? or should I start with the least expensive and work my way up? Over Rocks? Neat? Single malt? Blends? What's with the missing 'E' in Whisky?
Clear, concise, and to the point (and slim enough to carry on your person whilst traipsing about the local waterholes), this book provides the foundations for a beginner, defines the mandatory nomenclature, and dispels many myths.
Mr. Erskines book has been almost wholly responsible for an eye opening education on the subject, and a growing appreciation of the drink, culture and history. Two thumbs up, 5 stars and a solid purchase.
Fantastic Introduction.......2006-02-26
I work "in the Industry" and I must say this is a fantastic introduction for someone who has no clue about where to start.
I don't believe there is another book of this sort, which boils it down to only the most essential basics.
Neat little book.
Simply Perfect!.......2006-01-11
I am a true beer lover who is constantly on the hunt for new and exciting flavors in beverages. However after trying what seems just about every type of alcoholic beverage out there I realized that there was one frontier I truly had not experienced, which is single malt scotch. After receiving a bottle of single malt scotch from my father-in-law I realized it was time to get educated.
In comes Kevin Erskine's smooth read for such a complex beverage that quickly had me knowledgeable on how to properly enjoy this amazing spirit. This book is very concise (at only 67 pages) with lots of information that will quickly turn a novice into a pro. I highly recommend it if you too want to easily learn the marvels of single malt scotch.
Book Description
In his earlier work, Appreciating Whisky, Phillip Hills introduced the novel if obvious idea that what matters about any liquor is its taste. Now, in The Scotch Whisky Directory, he has devised an easy but original way of presenting the individual flavors of whisky by means of a simple graphic. He applies this system to all the more important brands, showing what flavors are to be found in each. The judgments regarding the flavors have been made by four leading experts, recruited specially for the purpose. The result is an accessible, reliable, and objective consumer guide to how whiskies taste. Profiling 260 varieties, and highly illustrated with flavor charts and whisky labels, this book sets a benchmark for all future discussions of whisky or any other spirits.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic!.......2007-09-15
Fantastic reference book. The introductory chapters are worth the price alone, but the guide is invaluable in sorting out scotch whiskey. Makes an excellent gift. you will refer to it often if you are wise enough to acquire it. enjoy.
Customer Reviews:
GREAT BOOK!, A CLASSIC!.......2007-04-18
THIS IS FOR ALL TURKOPHILES OUT THERE, OR ANY ONE INTERESTED IN A GREAT COUNTRY: TURKEY!
Just Great!.......2003-05-07
I am half american half turkish airforce military brat. I can vouch that the attitudes and ways in the book in the time it was written and even in general today are the turkish people.
It is a great way to understand the culture. I first read this book after finding it my fathers library when I was 18. I read it as almost his own stories from his stationing there earlier on.
It's All True.......2003-01-24
For perspective, I was 2 years old when John D met me and 12 years old the last time I saw him. As for the book, it's all true, and couldn't have been better said. I recall my father (Art) and mother (Mim) coming back from the evening excusions John D. and the others would go on and how the laughing never stopped. Like other readers comment, it all needs to be put in perspective. I recently loaned the book to an associate who just returned from Izmir...the book has yet to be returned. They're making another trip and have commented toward the value the book has offered in understanding the people and places. Like the many of us who endured there for over 10 years, as the book prefaces the subject, you begin to understand the people, like the people and land, and never want to leave...yearning periodically to consider a return trip.
I recommend the reading of this book...it's well worth the time...it'll make you laugh..consider, the literal interpretations that can only exist...
A must read for anyone in Turkey.......2003-01-12
A must read for anyone who has lived or is living in Turkey. I laughed the whole way through and could relate to almost everything, even though it's 30 years later. The author captures the uniqueness, frustrations, and wonders of living in Turkey.
Very funny and true!!.......2002-09-12
My husband and I first moved to Izmir, Turkey in 1996 and we both read "Scotch and Holy Water". We were still living in a hotel and had not yet experienced the country and very little of the people. I laughed through the whole thing and couldn't wait to see the places he wrote about. I read it again about two years later, we were still there, and it was even better. I couldn't believe how true the book was. It was like he was writing our story. Even forty years later not much was different. We did not live on a military compound and ended up moving to a very small village outside the city. We are very adventurous people with little fear of what kind of trouble we may get into getting lost. And we were lost MANY times!!! Learning the language was very important to really enjoy it. The people are wounderful and warm. Everyday there was something new that would crack us up. They have a very different type of logic. We will go back again one day.
I highly recomend Scotch and Holy Water even if you have no interest in Turkey. It is a great Read. He did a great job of bring out the realness of the country and the everyday living of the people as Turks and foriegners.
Average customer rating:
- duble scotch
- A perfect Scotch Double!
|
A Double Scotch: How Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet Became Global Icons
F. Paul Pacult
Manufacturer: Wiley
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ASIN: 0471662712 |
Book Description
A Double Scotch tells the intertwined success stories of Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet—two Scotch whisky brands recognized the world-over for their unparalleled quality. Founded by Scottish grocers from Aberdeen, Chivas Regal stands as the world’s most popular prestige blended Scotch. First distilled by a pistol-packing Highlander, The Glenlivet is today the top-selling single-malt Scotch in America. F. Paul Pacult explores these two iconic spirits and tells the remarkable story of the two families who endured numerous hardships to build their brands. A business book that goes down easy, A Double Scotch tells the story of the world’s favorite whiskies, and the story of the nation and families that made them so.
Download Description
An inside look at two brands that made Scotland's national drink a global phenomenon
A Double Scotch tells the intertwined success stories of Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet-two Scotch whisky brands recognized the world over for their unparalleled quality. Founded by Scottish grocers on Aberdeen, Chivas Regal stands as the world's most popular prestige blended Scotch. First distilled by a pistol-packing Highlander, The Glenlivet is today the top-selling single-malt Scotch in America. F. Paul Pacult explores these two iconic spirits, and tells a compelling business story of the remarkable and resourceful families who endured government interference, the threat of physical violence from illicit distillers, wars and Prohibition, and fierce competition to build two winning brands. A Double Scotch is a business book and historical account that goes down easy. Told against the backdrop of Scotland's intriguing distilling history, A Double Scotch also tells the story of a nation that's inextricably linked to its national beverage.
F. Paul Pacult (Wallkill, NY) is one of the most accomplished and respected authorities on beverage alcohol. Currently, he is Publisher/Editor of F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal, Special Projects Editor of the New York Times Magazine, judging director for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and spirits-tasting coordinator for Wine Enthusiast magazine. He is also the author of American Still Life (0-471-44407-3), from Wiley.
Customer Reviews:
duble scotch.......2005-07-22
my son in law loved this book about scotch whisky.After a trip to Scotland (my homeland) last summer he became fascinated with the subject.
A perfect Scotch Double!.......2005-06-08
Sit back, relax and let Paul's wonderfully crafted work quench your thirst for the history of these great scotch families and the trials that they had to endure to make our dreams come true. Pour yourself a double and enjoy this intriguing story!
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