James Logan (writer) facts for kids

James Logan (1797–1872) was a Scottish writer who loved and wrote about Gaelic culture. He is most famous for his book The Scottish Gael, published in 1831, which shared many details about Highland life.

Logan's Life Story

Logan was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. His father was a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods. James went to Aberdeen grammar school and then to Marischal College for his education. He had planned to become a lawyer, but a sports injury stopped him from pursuing that career.

Later, Logan moved to London. With help from Lord Aberdeen, he studied at the Royal Academy, a famous art school. He then worked as a journalist, writing for newspapers and magazines. After that, he was a clerk in an architect's office. For a while, he also worked for the Highland Society of London, a group that supported Scottish culture. James Logan never really settled into one long-term job. He lived a comfortable life thanks to his Scottish supporters and passed away in London in April 1872.

Logan's Books and Works

Highland Chiefs, an illustration by James Logan from his book The Scottish Gael (1831)

Logan's most important book was The Scottish Gaël, or Celtic Manners as preserved among the Highlanders. It came out in two parts in 1831. He wrote this book after taking many walking trips through the Scottish Highlands and islands. During these trips, he collected old Gaelic items and learned about their customs.

His book was dedicated to King William IV. James Logan himself drew the pictures for the book, and it sold very well because it received good reviews. In 1876, another person named Alexander Stewart published a second edition of the book. Today, experts find Logan's book very useful for learning about old Highland customs. However, some of the historical information in it is now considered outdated.

Logan also worked on several other books:

• He wrote the introduction for A Collection of Ancient Piobaireachd or Highland Pipe Music (1838) by Angus MacKay. This book was important for bagpipe music.
• He wrote the introduction for John Mackenzie's Sar-obair nam Bard Gaelach: or Beauties of Gaelic Poetry (1841).
• He wrote the text for Robert Ronald McIan's Clans of the Scottish Highlands (1845–47), which featured pictures of Scottish clans.
• He created Highland Costumes, a two-volume book with illustrations (1843–49). A new version came out in 1857.

He also wrote articles for the Gentleman's Magazine.