Campbells and Kindred,
Keith Campbell asks about the book "Who is a Campbell" - and is it worth
purchasing?
The short answer is "maybe although not really" - rather a qualified answer.
The author of this book is a sincere man, Jack Campbell, who in his
retirement decided to write books on light and popular subjects like
barkeeping etc. As a Campbell he thought he could do well with a book on
Campbells since (I imagine) he figured there were more Campbells than
barkies. Jack's background was in writing material for commercial outfits,
if I remember rightly (I also tried to help him with the book originally).
He did take the trouble to be in touch with the Clan Campbell historian in
Scotland who spent a good deal of time working through his book making
corrections and suggestions. Quite a number of these Jack chose to ignore,
so the book gives some curious impressions and is NOT a good source of
factual information as a consequence - much is accurate and some is not -
particularly in terms of emphasis - so if you are new to the facts about the
clan it is hard to know which to take for granted and what not.
However, and here is the qualification: If you are not so much interested
in facts and good interpretation, this book is, with those reservations,
highly readable, short, spicy and might appeal to those who do not normally
read much at all. I am sure that it has probably introduced the subject of
their heritage to many Campbells who may never get much further in their
interest - or may. If it is cheap enough and appeals to your taste, it
might entertain some teenagers if you are then able to lead them on to more
rewarding fields and also discuss the contents with them. But I am just
glad it was not my first impression of my own heritage. Would I have had
the sense to be put off the author and not the subject?
I remember in art history at school being taught about an Italian artist of
the 16th century who died as a result of blood poisoning got while disecting
a camel. I remembered that fact and none other about him - not even his
name. Jack's book is a bit like that - what sticks in the mind are the
rather irrelevant spicy parts, so those who read it are left with a bit of a
curious - not to say sordid - view of our heritage. But it seems that the
point is to sell books, not inform. I like my heritage factual, warts and
all if you like, but not rubbed in the dirt. You can show our failures with
dignity and still be truthfull, but it doesn't sell like the National
Enquirer.
Dairmid Campbell
----- Original Message -----
From: kcampbell9 <kcampbell9(a)home.com>
To: <CAMPBELL-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2001 10:16 PM
Subject: Campbell Book
Has anyone read the book "Who is a Campbell"? Is it worth
purchasing? Also
I am still trying to find a connection for Franklin J. Campbell
born
9/17/1871 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to Illinois around 1885-1900,
any connections? Thanks Keith Campbell
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