Martin Martin (1) (–1719)

I have been fascinated for several years by this remote Scottish island which was inhabited by a small community until 1930 when the last remaining islanders were evacuated at their own request as their community was no longer sustainable. This book was an account by a traveller to the island in the late 17th century. Much of the lifestyle described was similar to what I have read elsewhere about that in the late 19th century, though a bit more use was made of the lesser islands in the group than in later centuries. I was inspired to read this book during a visit to the much more salubrious Scilly Isles, which also contain some islands inhabited in the past but no longer. Fascinating historical account.… (more)