The Scottish Country Miller: 1700-1900

The history of Scotland has often been the history of its aristocracy, lawyers, and clergy, but recent years have brought growing interest in the lives of ordinary country people and the domestic craftsmen who formed an essential role in the life of the community. Until the industrialization of the towns and depopulation of the countryside -- which took place at widely differing pace in different regions of the country -- the miller was of vital importance in the community. His product was the chief element of the diet of all Scottish people until Victorian times. The mill was shop as well as manufacturer and was the only source of what people ate most of the time. This fascinating study discusses in detail the origins of milling, the social context and daily life of the miller, as well as the technical aspects of the industry.