GIVE THEM SOME STICK. By Leo Gowan.

ND (2001) 1st edition. 8vo paperback (147 x 210mm). Ppiv,79. B/w illustrations by Sheila Galbraith. White card covers, spine untitled.

More 'Stickmaking Tales'. "This is a book about stickmaking and the varied characters who practise the craft. It is not a how-to-do-it manual, rather it describes often how -NOT-to-do-it! Sceptical at times, even dogmatic or provocative, but leavened with a fair share of humour, the author ranges widely over the subject. Here you will meet with the Highland cow who had the last laugh on the vet, the chilling experience when seeking wild billy goat horn, and the competitor who experienced a change of name after his tup lost its tackle at the show. You will read of the stick show bonsai class for the vertically challenged, the class for crooks with vegetable carvings growing up the nose and the 'Badger's Bum' award for those sticks that haven't quite made it to the front rank. There is a questioning look at some of the folklore and myths still attending the craft and rigidly adhered to by some and discussions, light-hearted or serious, on the workings of the Show committees, judges and their decisions. A Stickmakers alphabet is included and a tour around the Celtic Fringe even a little poetry. Language is in the vernacular and political correctness unheard of. Few will read the book without obtaining a fresh insight into their craft - and realising that stickmaking will never be the same for them again." Leo tells me that a good selling point is "the bare arse on the cover."