6 History Books about Fife

Published 26th March 2023

1. The History, Ancient and Modern, of the Sheriffdoms of Fife and Kinross – Book by Robert Sibbald

This historical book was written in 1803, so is perhaps less modern than some of the other books on this list. It has been described on Good Reads as a ‘work that has been selected by scholars are being culturally important’.

2. The Fife Pilgrim Way – Book by Ian Bradley

The Fife Pilgrim Way was written to emphasise the history of Fife in an interesting way. It follows multiple different stories of the life of Fife. It starts off with the Celts and follows many twists and turns, with stories on spirits and martyrs. One reviewer stated that the Fife Pilgrim Way ‘captures the fascinating history’.

3. Forgotten Fife Tales – Book by Jerzy T Morkis

Forgotten Fife Tales aims o tell the story of the people within Fife that may not be as giant or well-remembered. This book does this in an interesting manner, it retells the stories of the community of Fife through newspapers, published journals, manuscripts and personal memories. This method, will allow the reader to get a more in-depth and personal touch with historical communities and individuals within Fife.

4. Fife in History and in Legend – Book by Raymond Lamont-Brown

This book aims to tell the well-known stories of Fife, such as that of its kingdom and ancient history. However, it also aims at the same time to retell the story of Fife in less familiar terms. This book is great for a reader who is looking to inform and educate themselves on both well-known and lesser-known stories of Fife through both history and legend.

5. Fife Folk Tales – Book by Sheila Kinninmonth

Whilst the other books on this list have been strictly historical, Fife Folk Tales focuses more on the oral tradition of folk tales and stories that have been passed down generation by generation. Through this, readers not only get an insight into folk tales that revolve around Fife but also get to experience the same tales that would have been retold centuries ago.

6. Fife at Work – Book by Carol McNeill

This book focuses more on the workforce and types of work that were featured in Fife. Scotland itself was known throughout the centuries due to the workforce and work ethic when considering things such as the industrial revolution. This book takes a similar approach by focusing on work in Fife and the life revolving around that. It is a great read for someone looking for a more specific industrial historic account of Fife.