Originally published in 1975, and written by an authority on Scottish music, this book traces the evolution of the bagpipe whilst also narrating the fortunes of the ‘Great Highland Bagpipe’ itself. Exploring history and archaeology of civilizations as far removed from the Scottish Highlands as Egypt and Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome this book offers a unique full-length history of one of the world’s most interesting and ancient musical instruments. Appendices list the bagpipes of other countries and the materials used in the instrument’s manufacture as well as a comprehensive bibliography.

‘It is masterly; Collinson is totally scientific and scholarly in his approach to the subject. It is an excellently and entertainingly written book, at times witty and very amusing. ‘ Dick Gaughan, Folk Review

Francis M. Collinson, musicologist was a Founder Member of the School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh.