Friend Mac Donald

Scottish anecdotes supply Max O'Rell with a way of describing the country after a stay of several months. Addressing his imagined friend Donald, he recalls stories told by his hosts and sets out to introduce Scottish manners to French readers. His humorous travel sketches range across conversation, hospitality, religion, education, family life and the cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Comparisons with England and France reveal the national assumptions that shape his observations.

A visit to an elderly former nurse gives the social commentary a personal focus. The family she served treats her with affection, sharing food, company and evening prayers in her rooms. Elsewhere, O'Rell advises visitors to listen carefully and leave room for disagreement in political discussions. Readers interested in everyday customs and the habits of a travelling observer will find a mixture of comic anecdotes, domestic scenes and broad generalizations about national character.