"Historically insightful and full of character. Richard has captured the essence and beauty of piping's vibrant culture with historical, musical and characterful insight." -- Finlay MacDonald, world-renowned piper and composer"With infectious enthusiasm for his subject, Richard McLauchlan traces the cultural significance of the bagpipes across the globe and over many centuries. His multi-storied and learned account reveals the bagpipes' history to be just as intricate and variegated as the most complex piobaireachd/pibroch tunes showcased by its virtuosi practitioners." -- Clare Jackson, author of Devil-Land: England under Siege 1588-1688"Richly entertaining and perceptive. A revelation for pipers like me, and for anyone interested in how an instrument can transform culture." -- Alastair Campbell, author of But What Can I Do? and co-host of The Rest Is Politics"The Bagpipes is a pleasure to read. this is the book I am giving to every person I know who expresses even the slightest interest in piping and the pipes.

" -- Piping Press"Highly entertaining. highly readable . while creating a very accessible history of the bagpipe in Scotland without ever losing the rigor required to provide a warts and all story." -- Bagpipe News"After The Bagpipes: A Cultural History, I was overwhelmed with pride and love for the instrument and a greater understanding of its impact on the world." -- Pipes Drums Magazine"McLauchlan's passion for Scotland and the bagpipes is evident, supplying this companionable guide with moments of genuine excitement." -- Ilassical Music Daily"An absorbing, thoughtful, and often surprising book." -- Bella Caledonia"Richard McLauchlan takes us through the story of the pipes, from their beginnings depicted in early medieval church stonework to their mature use . alive with the author's enthusiasm for the instrument.

" --TLS.