Rare 1932 Andrew McCormick Galloway Book with Original Map

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

You know that feeling when you pick up an old book, and it just fits? Not just in your hands, but in your imagination? That’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled upon this beauty: Andrew McCormick’s “The Spell of its Hills and Glens,” published in 1932. This isn’t just a book; it’s a gateway, a time machine even, to a Galloway that’s both familiar and wonderfully lost to the mists of time. For anyone looking to add a true gem to their collection, especially if you’re keen on finding an Andrew McCormick Galloway map in pristine condition, this one definitely caught my eye. It’s a real slice of Scottish regional history, wrapped up in early 20th-century exploration and a genuine love for the landscape.

Currently available: A copy of this item is in our collection — listed at $75. View listing on eBay →

Catching the Galloway Spell: McCormick’s Vision

Andrew McCormick. The name itself just sounds like someone who knows Scotland inside out, doesn’t it? And he absolutely did. McCormick was, in my opinion, one of those rare authors who didn’t just write about a region; he lived it, breathed it, and then distilled its essence onto the page. His reputation as a chronicler of Scottish regions is well-deserved, and this particular book, “The Spell of its Hills and Glens,” feels like his love letter to Galloway.

Published in 1932, it lands squarely in that sweet spot of the interwar period when people across Scotland, and indeed the UK, were really starting to embrace the outdoors. There was a genuine hunger for regional exploration, for throwing on your boots and discovering the beauty right on your doorstep. This book isn’t just a travel guide in the modern sense; it’s a companion, an invitation to wander, to connect with the land. McCormick’s prose, even nearly a century later, has a certain pull, a quiet authority that makes you want to pack a rucksack and head for the hills he describes. He zeroes in on the Galloway region — places like Newton Stewart, Merrick, and those serene lochs — painting a picture that’s both detailed and deeply evocative. It’s the kind of writing that makes you appreciate the slower pace of exploration, the deeper understanding that comes from truly immersing yourself in a place, rather than just ticking off sights. And that’s a mood I always appreciate finding in a collectible.

The Map: A Cartographic Gem from E.F. Inkster

Now, let’s talk about what, for me, elevates this book from a very good regional history to an absolute must-have for collectors: the map. Oh, that map! This book comes complete with its original, large-scale folding map, titled “Map to Show Walks,” and it’s a pure work of art illustrated by E.F. Inkster. Honestly, this is where the real excitement lies for me. Maps from this era have a charm that modern GPS devices simply can’t replicate. They were tools, yes, but they were also pieces of craftsmanship.

Inkster’s map here is just superb. It isn’t just lines and contours; it’s alive with personality. You’ve got detailed walking paths, of course, perfect for anyone planning an excursion in 1932 before digital navigation was even a whisper on the horizon. But then you start to notice the little touches. There’s a unique “Aeroplane route” depicted right across the Merrick – a detail that instantly dates the map and tells a story about the changing world of the 1930s. Imagine the excitement, the novelty, of seeing an aerial path mapped alongside ancient foot trails!

And then there are the vignettes. Little illustrations that add so much character. You’ll find a charming depiction of a “Black Galloway” bull, strong and stoic, perfectly representing the region’s livestock. And there’s another, equally endearing, of a “Shepherd Carrying a Sick Sheep,” a poignant and authentic scene from Galloway’s agricultural heartland. These aren’t just decorative elements; they ground the map in the lived reality of the place, making it a mini-artwork in its own right. As someone who appreciates cartography, finding a map like this, with so much detail and personality, is a genuine thrill. It’s a visual companion that deepens your understanding of McCormick’s text and of the Galloway region itself.

Why This Edition Stands Out: Early Printing & First Edition Typeface

When it comes to collecting, the specifics of an edition can make all the difference, and this copy of “The Spell of its Hills and Glens” hits a couple of very sweet notes. For starters, we’re looking at an early printing from December 1932. This means it came off the presses right at the beginning of the book’s life, almost as close as you can get to the very first copies published. There’s a certain satisfaction in holding a book that was printed in the same year it was released, a testament to its immediate popularity and McCormick’s established readership.

But it gets better. This particular copy also features the “First Edition Typeface.” Now, what does that actually mean for a collector? It tells you that this book was printed using the original plates or at least the exact design and font layout from the very first run. It’s not a later re-set edition where the type might have been updated or changed. For purists, this is important because it ensures you’re seeing the book exactly as it was intended to look by the author and publisher upon its initial release. It retains the authentic aesthetic of that initial publication, a fidelity to the original that many collectors, myself included, truly value. It speaks to the book’s authenticity and its position as a true representative of McCormick’s original work from 1932.

The Rarity Factor: When an Intact Map Makes All the Difference

Let’s be blunt: finding this book is one thing. Finding it with that magnificent E.F. Inkster map, intact and in superb condition? That’s another beast entirely. In my experience picking these up, that map is the linchpin. It’s the reason why some copies are just books and others are true collector’s items.

Think about it: a large, folding map in a travel book designed for hikers. How many of those do you think survived nearly a century of being folded, unfolded, tucked into rucksacks, pored over with muddy fingers, or simply tearing away from the binding? Not many. The fragility of these maps means they’re almost always the first part of the book to show wear, get damaged, or simply go missing. I’ve seen countless copies of “The Spell of its Hills and Glens” come through various channels, and more often than not, the map is either absent, torn, heavily foxed (those pesky age spots), or crudely repaired. These damaged or map-less copies, frankly, diminish the book’s appeal and value quite a bit. They fetch considerably lower prices because a huge part of the experience, and the item’s historical value, is gone.

That’s why when you come across a copy like this one, where the original folding map is not only present but in really fine condition, it’s a moment. The ‘Aeroplane route’ and those charming vignettes on the map become even more special because they’ve survived. For collectors focused on cartography or Scottish regional studies, a well-preserved example with its complete, original map is what makes this a premium collectible. It’s genuinely rare to find them in such a state, which makes this edition particularly desirable in the market.

Andrew McCormick: Your Guide to the Scottish Wilds

You know how some authors just own a particular subject or region? For the Galloway region of Scotland, Andrew McCormick is that author. He’s not just a historian or a travel writer; he’s a true enthusiast, a local expert who brought the beauty and character of his homeland to life for a wider audience. In an era before glossy tourism brochures and digital influencers, McCormick filled a vital role: he was the definitive chronicler, guiding readers through the natural wonders and cultural quirks of places like Galloway.

His writing isn’t dry or academic. It’s infused with a genuine affection for the hills, glens, and lochs he describes. He connects the reader to the very soul of the landscape, making you feel as if you’re walking alongside him. This isn’t just about reading facts; it’s about experiencing a place through the eyes of someone who deeply loves it. His works, including “The Spell of its Hills and Glens,” are more than just historical records; they’re invitations to explore, to understand, and to appreciate the enduring charm of Scotland. For anyone passionate about Scottish history, topography, or the golden age of outdoor exploration, McCormick’s books are foundational. They offer a unique window into how these regions were perceived and appreciated nearly a century ago, and his contributions continue to be highly regarded by collectors and scholars alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

When I talk about books like this with fellow collectors, a few common questions always pop up. Here are some of the most frequent ones I hear:

Q: Who is the author of ‘The Spell of its Hills and Glens’? A: The author is Andrew McCormick, a widely respected authority on Scottish regions. You might occasionally see references to “Ed Galloway” floating around, especially in older listings, but that’s a common misunderstanding or misattribution, likely confusing the author with the regional name “Galloway.” Andrew McCormick is definitively the man behind this beautiful work.

Q: What is the significance of the included map? A: The map, titled ‘Map to Show Walks’ and illustrated by E.F. Inkster, is without a doubt one of the main attractions of this edition. It’s a large-scale folding map that provides incredibly detailed walking paths for the Galloway region, which was absolutely essential for outdoor enthusiasts in the 1930s. What makes it extra special are unique features like the ‘Aeroplane route’ across the Merrick and charming vignettes of a ‘Black Galloway’ bull and a ‘Shepherd Carrying a Sick Sheep.’ Its presence, and especially its superb condition, is what elevates this copy to a premium collector’s item.

Q: What does ‘First Edition Typeface’ signify for this book? A: When a book is described as having a ‘First Edition Typeface,’ it means this particular December 1932 copy uses the original printing plates or the exact same typographic design as the initial publication. This confirms it’s a very early and faithful representation of how the book looked when it was first released. For collectors, it’s a marker of authenticity and an indication that you’re acquiring a piece that closely mirrors the original aesthetic of the very first print run, which is highly desirable.

About This Copy

This particular copy of Andrew McCormick’s “The Spell of its Hills and Glens” is an early printing from December 1932, presented in exceptional condition for its age. The book itself shows light wear consistent with a well-cared-for volume from this period. Crucially, the large-scale original folding map by E.F. Inkster is present and in superb, bright condition, showing minimal signs of handling and no tears or significant foxing that are so common. It retains its vibrant details and charm, making this a genuinely desirable example for any serious collector of Scottish topography, cartography, or early 20th-century travel literature.

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