The control of fire, metal and horses have been of fundamental importance to the historical development of modern Scotland and Western civilisation. Horsemen and metalworkers have recurrently transformed agricultural practices, industrial development and military history: their discipline, hard work, energy and values have had great influence on the character of Scottish rural society and culture. It is no accident that in mythological tradition the smith, the medicine man and the artist were, usually, one and the same man.
The warm darkness of the smithy nurtures tradition and new inventions and the stable remains a universal symbol of shelter and fecundity - both reinforce habits of courage, song, story and legend, which find full expression in this fascinating book. These are the stories of men whose lives have helped shape a nation.
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