“A Collection of Highland Vocal Airs,” Patrick MacDonald, First Edition, 1784

While Joseph MacDonald was writing his  famous “Complete Theory of the Scots Highland Bagpipe” in 1760, his brother Patrick was preparing this publication which came off the press in 1784. Together they represent the first serious attempt, using the medium of print, to make Highland music more widely known throughout Scotland.  With four piobaireachd appearing at the end of the book, and Joseph’s book not seeing publication until well after his death, Patrick’s “Vocal Airs” marks the first appearance of pipe music in staff notation. 

The book lacks its cover, but is otherwise in excellent condition. The parchment pages do exhibit some show-through and slight discolouration, but the print is still clear and legible.