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The Pipers Glory
From Clan MacGregor in Queen Victoria’s Scotland to Teddy Roosevelt and the Spanish-American War in Cuba to the 2nd Boer War in South Africa, high adventure and romance abound in this tale of pipers, pipes, and glory.
The Great Highland War Pipes, “in the eyes of the law, an instrument of war”, play a leading role as threads of Scottish history, culture, music, literature, and family are tied together in an intricate, complex tapestry.
The Great Highland War Pipes, “in the eyes of the law, an instrument of war”, play a leading role as threads of Scottish history, culture, music, literature, and family are tied together in an intricate, complex tapestry.
436 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2018
10 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Sam Skinner
11 books70 followersSam Skinner is an avid history buff, anglophile, music lover, and rebel among other things. If you know history you know the rebel part is pure Clan MacGregor.
After playing and performing as a drummer on the three different pipe band drums in the Houston Highlanders and winning a bass drum competition Sam decided to try playing the bagpipes. His pipe major at the time was smarter than Sam and encouraged him by saying, “Och! Yaur too auld! Ye cannae do it!” This of course was a challenge Sam found unable to resist.
That was twenty plus years ago. After much learning, practicing, and playing I guess I showed him. It’s been great and grand! I still count all my band mates past and present as lifetime pals.
I had to write this story (The Pipers Glory). There is a lot of my story in this book.
Sam Skinner born in New Mexico started school in the Marshall Islands, a few years later his family was transferred to Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Sam has crossed the Gulf of Mexico several times, in the famous Regatta de Amigos sailboat races. His hobbies include motorcycles, writing, and playing bagpipes with the Highlanders of Oklahoma City.
With deep roots in the West Texas and New Mexico ranching, oil, and western saddlery trades, Sam Skinner grew up hearing stories and legends of the West. His vivid imagination brought them all together in The Legend and Adventures of Bob Wire. Until he was about 13 years old, he only knew "bob wire", not barbed wire. you could say he has known Bob Wire all his life. He loves telling stories and hopes you will enjoy reading them just as much.
Sam also has deep roots at Texas Tech. He attended Amarillo Palo Duro High School where earned a track scholarship to Texas Tech. Many family members and friends of several generations attended Tech. Sam's high school principal was captain of the first Texas Tech football team.
After playing and performing as a drummer on the three different pipe band drums in the Houston Highlanders and winning a bass drum competition Sam decided to try playing the bagpipes. His pipe major at the time was smarter than Sam and encouraged him by saying, “Och! Yaur too auld! Ye cannae do it!” This of course was a challenge Sam found unable to resist.
That was twenty plus years ago. After much learning, practicing, and playing I guess I showed him. It’s been great and grand! I still count all my band mates past and present as lifetime pals.
I had to write this story (The Pipers Glory). There is a lot of my story in this book.
Sam Skinner born in New Mexico started school in the Marshall Islands, a few years later his family was transferred to Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Sam has crossed the Gulf of Mexico several times, in the famous Regatta de Amigos sailboat races. His hobbies include motorcycles, writing, and playing bagpipes with the Highlanders of Oklahoma City.
With deep roots in the West Texas and New Mexico ranching, oil, and western saddlery trades, Sam Skinner grew up hearing stories and legends of the West. His vivid imagination brought them all together in The Legend and Adventures of Bob Wire. Until he was about 13 years old, he only knew "bob wire", not barbed wire. you could say he has known Bob Wire all his life. He loves telling stories and hopes you will enjoy reading them just as much.
Sam also has deep roots at Texas Tech. He attended Amarillo Palo Duro High School where earned a track scholarship to Texas Tech. Many family members and friends of several generations attended Tech. Sam's high school principal was captain of the first Texas Tech football team.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 9, 2018
The Pipers Glory, written by Sam Skinner is a rich conundrum of History and the Mac Gregor clam fortune and misfortunes. From Buck's arrival to Scotland.. the Homeland of the bagpipe" to the visit to the President's House by his twin sons, the pipers' glory is filled with drama, passion, and determination. Although the story is set in Scotland rich history, it skips across the oceans to Texas, where Pate one of the twin sons lived with his father.
After the death of Buckswife, he took one of his sons 7 years after to Texas.
With the rich history of the bagpipe and rich culture of the Scottish people, Pate and Billy were shaded from a lot throughout their lifetime. The music, the history, the excellent imagery of these boys were amazing. Pate and his twin brother Billy united Texas and Pitlochry together. Along with the Mac Gregor's and Starnes rich culture- one of the bagpipes and the other a cattle herdsman- they will be forever united.
A powerful storyline and a great read
After the death of Buckswife, he took one of his sons 7 years after to Texas.
With the rich history of the bagpipe and rich culture of the Scottish people, Pate and Billy were shaded from a lot throughout their lifetime. The music, the history, the excellent imagery of these boys were amazing. Pate and his twin brother Billy united Texas and Pitlochry together. Along with the Mac Gregor's and Starnes rich culture- one of the bagpipes and the other a cattle herdsman- they will be forever united.
A powerful storyline and a great read
October 16, 2018
"The Pipers Glory" follows the story of the MacGregor family. It starts with the brief romance between Lucy MacGregor and Shubael "Buck" Starnes. Set in the late 19th century in Pitlochry, Scotland, Buck meets Lucy, the prettiest girl in town and pursues her. They get married and have twin sons, Pate and Billy. Lucy's Father, Archibald MacGregor is somewhat a celebrity in the town and hasn't been the easiest father to please and get through, in order to seek Lucy's hand for marriage. The story narrates Buck's struggles to make ends meet and losing his wife, leaving their two young sons under the care of the MacGregors. The story then follows through as Pate and Billy grow up.
The book is a rather refreshing read with insights into the cultures during colonial times and traditions in a Scottish town. It talks about family ties, culture clashes, and the sacrifices made for love and family. The story is slow moving but still presents as a rather engaging read. A breath of fresh air from the typical 'wham-bam' of most mainstream fictions stories these days.
The book is a rather refreshing read with insights into the cultures during colonial times and traditions in a Scottish town. It talks about family ties, culture clashes, and the sacrifices made for love and family. The story is slow moving but still presents as a rather engaging read. A breath of fresh air from the typical 'wham-bam' of most mainstream fictions stories these days.
October 6, 2018
Interesting History Book
From the onset the author proves that she knows her history and culture which allows her to bring to life a fascinating story and to create this wonderful tale. Between the wars and the songs, there’s a little something for everyone (even a touch of romance!)
The quote in the beginning of the book really sets the stage to pump readers to enjoy the novel and the poems at the end really drive home the cultural feel.
These aren’t usually my type of book but it kept my interest. I’ll definitely pass it along to my husband who would enjoy it.
From the onset the author proves that she knows her history and culture which allows her to bring to life a fascinating story and to create this wonderful tale. Between the wars and the songs, there’s a little something for everyone (even a touch of romance!)
The quote in the beginning of the book really sets the stage to pump readers to enjoy the novel and the poems at the end really drive home the cultural feel.
These aren’t usually my type of book but it kept my interest. I’ll definitely pass it along to my husband who would enjoy it.
January 27, 2019
The Pipers Glory by Sam Skinner is a fictional story all about a Scottish family and an American who come together in a series of misfortunes and triumphs. Buck is an American in Scotland who comes across a girl named Lucy. As he describes her, she is the prettiest girl in town and he begins to pursue her. Her father is Archibald MacGregor and he is a celebrity in the area because of his accomplishments. He is not a fan of Buck and goes out of his way to make Buck's quest for Lucy as challenging as possible. In time though, Buck and Lucy are married and they have twin sons named Pate and Billy. Buck then falls on hard times as he tries to take care of his family, but receives a terrible blow when he loses his wife. The boys are then looked after by Archibald and begin to learn the old ways of the bagpipes and what they mean to Scottish heritage and, more importantly, battle.
The Pipers Glory is well written and does a great job of incorporating history into the fictional characters' lives. I really liked that many of the historical references that came up in the story were not well known. Most of these topics can not be found in a textbook you will come across in school, so it is good that they are finally given some justice in this piece of writing. The story had a slow beginning in this reviewers opinion, but once the narrative picks up speed it becomes very enjoyable. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this read.
The Pipers Glory is well written and does a great job of incorporating history into the fictional characters' lives. I really liked that many of the historical references that came up in the story were not well known. Most of these topics can not be found in a textbook you will come across in school, so it is good that they are finally given some justice in this piece of writing. The story had a slow beginning in this reviewers opinion, but once the narrative picks up speed it becomes very enjoyable. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this read.
January 24, 2019
The opening of this book features a quote from Queen Margaret of Scotland and The Isles. The power and command that it exudes certainly sets the tone for the rest of the story. The Piper's Glory is a powerful, moving and compelling story of love, war, music and triumph. It is deep rooted in history and rich culture; anyone who has a hankering for romance that is blended with music, war and history will love this book. I certainly did.
The characters are powerful. The plot is riveting. And the author's style of storytelling is really captivating. The descriptions are quite unique, and that certainly put a smile on myself as an aspiring story writer. it is an inspiring tale which moves you from deep within. The author sure knows her history and is proud of her roots.
And oh! Look out for the songs and music at the end of the book. That certainly added an entirely unique touch to the proceedings.
The characters are powerful. The plot is riveting. And the author's style of storytelling is really captivating. The descriptions are quite unique, and that certainly put a smile on myself as an aspiring story writer. it is an inspiring tale which moves you from deep within. The author sure knows her history and is proud of her roots.
And oh! Look out for the songs and music at the end of the book. That certainly added an entirely unique touch to the proceedings.
January 1, 2019
Author Sam Skinner looks into the intriguing history of pipers and how they have had a substantial impact on many events throughout history, like the Spanish-American War and the Second Boer War. In addition to diving into how pipers and their instruments have played an important role in certain historical events, Skinner also goes even deeper into its history and writes how this iconic Scottish instrument became a popular thing to play. The end of the book even includes poems and writings dedicated to the art of piping.
At 252 pages, this book might be a little long for some. However, it’s an interesting read that’s well worth the time investment. Better yet, Skinner writes with a fun writing style which makes this novel easy to read and will provide you with plenty of historical tidbits. If you’re interested in history or Scotland, you’ll definitely want to check this book out.
At 252 pages, this book might be a little long for some. However, it’s an interesting read that’s well worth the time investment. Better yet, Skinner writes with a fun writing style which makes this novel easy to read and will provide you with plenty of historical tidbits. If you’re interested in history or Scotland, you’ll definitely want to check this book out.
January 23, 2019
This book gives an interesting look at both Scottish and early Western American cultures. It also has lots of historical components to it.
While the writing style was fine, I just found it a bit tedious. There wasn't much dialogue, it was mostly descriptive paragraphs. I prefer character driven stories, but that's just my personal preference.
Anyone who likes to read stories about families' day to day lives and interactions with each other in a historical setting will enjoy this book.
While the writing style was fine, I just found it a bit tedious. There wasn't much dialogue, it was mostly descriptive paragraphs. I prefer character driven stories, but that's just my personal preference.
Anyone who likes to read stories about families' day to day lives and interactions with each other in a historical setting will enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews