Hugh Miller

Michael A. Taylor is curator of Vertebrate Palaeontolgy at the National Museums of Scotland. He edited the facsimile edition of Hugh Miller's 'The Cruise of the Betsey, with Rambles of a Geologist' which was published by NMS in 2003.

• Map of Scotland; Map of Edinburgh and Leith in the 1850s; Foreword by Marian Allardyce McKenzie Johnston MA MSC; Preface by Dr David Alston; Introduction: One of the living forces of Scotland; A wild insubordinate boy; A Life of manual labour; The literary lion of Gromarty; A sort of Robinson Crusoe in geology; A long, and, in its earlier stages, anxious courtship; A plain working man, in rather humble circumstances; Among the remains of a different creation; Strife, toil and comparative obscurity; His business was to fight; The truth I speak, impugn it whoso list; The landscape was one without figures; The quiet enthusiasm of the true fossil-hunter; He clothed the dry bones of science; Exceedingly plausible and consummately dangerous; A gray maud, buckled shepherd-fashion; These are but small achievements; A tenderly affectionate parent; 19 Dearest Lydia. dear children. farewell; Life itself is a school; Glossary; Index.

'This is an excellent, interesting and scholarly biography of Hugh Miller. ... This book is well researched and a pleasure to read. ... effectively brings to life the complex character of Hugh Miller.' Palaeontological Newsletter'Taylor deftly organizes his immense quantity of research and Miller's complex life into clear and manageable sections. ... The pictures, excerpts and thematic chapters create a comprehensive and enjoyable volume.' IRSS University of Guelph'Michael Taylor casts much-needed light upon the character of this singular man ... well illustrated and written in short, tube-length chapters that are all perfectly judged. Buy it now.' Geoscientist'It is well worth reading to understand the context of Miller's life, his impact on Scottish geology, and as an introduction to his writing.' John Muir Trust Journal' … Taylor's prose streams effortlessly from the page and carries the reader along, rather like a gold thread embroidered through the history of Miller's life. … Anyone with an interest in Miller, or indeed in Victorian era Scotland and its complex social, religious and political history, would doubtless enjoy Taylor's biography.' Hugh's News (review of the reprinted edition 2022)