BOOKS ABOUT PAPA WESTRAY

The latest book to be published about Papa Westray. A fascinating, well-researched work on the history of Holland farm which also tells the story of the island and its people. Once home to a powerful land-owning dynasty that crashed into spectacular bankruptcy, Holland embodies the history of Papay since medieval times. Full of pictures and intriguing details this is an engaging account of the island's evolution from virtual feudalism (as recently as Victorian times) to today's fragile but independent and egalitarian community.

A Jar of Seed Corn: Portrait of an Island Farm
by Jocelyn Rendall/Paperback/ Published 2002
Available to order from any good bookstore or order online from:
Amazon.co.uk - British Pounds

To get an insight into island life read Jim Hewitson's entrancing book about Papa Westray. Don't expect a dry, factual guide book. This is a lively and often amusing account of his experiences living on the island in the 1980s and 90s with marvellous portrayals of some of its colourful characters, past and present.

Clinging to the Edge : Journals from an Orkney Island
by Jim Hewitson/ Hardcover/ Published 1996 
Available to order from any good bookstore or order online from:
Amazon.co.uk - British Pounds
Amazon.com - US Dollars
Amazon.ca - Canadian Dollars

An excellent, detailed account of an archaeological investigation at St Boniface, Papa Westray. Profusely illustrated and carefully reasoned discussion of a site which has been occupied for at least 3000 years.

St Boniface Church, Orkney by Christopher Lowe / Hardcover / Published 1998
Amazon.co.uk - British Pounds
Amazon.com - US Dollars
Amazon.ca - Canadian Dollars