READERSVOICE.COM aims to give a few samples from interesting out of print books. At first glance, an old hardback called Reminiscences of Scottish Life and Character might not jump out as being potentially entertaining. But the book has many short, humorous anecdotes. While not all of them are hilarious now, they are all well structured and worth emulation by budding humor writers. The author was a clergyman, Dean Ramsay (Edward Bannerman Ramsay, 1793-1872). The hardback to hand was the 26th edition, printed in the late 1800s or early 1900s.

Even though Dean Ramsay packs the book with humorous anecdotes, he insisted that the book wasn’t just another joke collection. He said its main aim was to illustrate the many aspects of the Scottish character. For e.g., anecdotes show the Scottish practical nature; or their cool, matter of fact view of things; or a reluctance to give a categorical opinion on things; their caution or wariness; loyalty to their old country when overseas. Or their wit.

Here is one example. He writes: But of all the cautious and careful answers we ever heard of was one given by a carpenter to an old lady in Glasgow, for whom he was working, and the anecdote is well authenticated. She had offered him a dram, [a small drink of alcohol]  and asked him whether he would have it then or wait till his work was done. – “Indeed, mem,” he said, “there’s been sic a power o’ sudden deaths lately that I’ll just tak it now.” He would guard against contingency and secure his dram.

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