Whisky Galore | Compton Mackenzie | 1999

Whisky Galore by Compton Mackenzie is one of the best-known novels in which Scotch whisky takes centre stage. Originally published in 1947, this copy is the 1999 Penguin paperback edition.

Set during the Second World War on the fictional Hebridean islands of Great and Little Todday, the story begins when wartime rationing leaves the islanders without whisky. Morale is at rock bottom – until a cargo ship runs aground nearby carrying an enormous supply of whisky.

The islanders are determined to rescue the precious bottles, while the authorities have very different ideas. What follows is a wonderfully comic story of whisky, island life, tradition, rules and the struggle between a close-knit community and official interference.

The novel was inspired by a real event in 1941, when the SS Politician ran aground near the Hebridean island of Eriskay carrying thousands of cases of Scotch whisky. The incident became one of the most celebrated stories in Scottish whisky folklore.

The novel was famously adapted by Ealing Studios in 1949 as Whisky Galore!, becoming a classic British comedy.

For whisky enthusiasts, the book therefore offers much more than fiction. It combines Scotch whisky history, Hebridean island culture, humour and folklore in one of Scotland’s most enduring whisky stories.

This older 1999 Penguin edition fits naturally within our collection of Rare & Vintage Whisky Books.

Why buy this book?

• classic novel centred around Scotch whisky;
• written by Compton Mackenzie;
• originally published in 1947;
• this Penguin edition dates from 1999;
• inspired by the true story of the SS Politician;
• set in the Scottish Hebrides;
• combines whisky, island culture and humour;
• inspiration for the famous 1949 film Whisky Galore!;
• ideal for whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

Details
Author: Compton Mackenzie
Publisher: Penguin Books
Originally published: 1947
This edition: 1999
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Language: English
ISBN: 9780140282719

Condition: Good condition. Light age- and use-related wear consistent with the age of the book. The contents are clean and complete.