The Crofter and the Laird by John McPhee*

Originally written for The New Yorker magazine in 1969, the essays were compiled to create this book a year later.  The author, John McPhee, recounts months he, his wife and four school age daughters spend on his ancestral, Scottish island, Colonsay.  As he interacts with the crofters, the tenant farmers, he learns about the island and its people.  When the laird arrives, he reveals the perspective of this controversial figure.  As the reader, I found great delight in getting to know the people who lived there at the time and also the laird.  Not only does Mr. McPhee bring to life this interesting island and its people but also its the ancient tales, the clan battles and their mystical beliefs. 
As I read this book, I was looking up Colonsay online and found that it is now possible to stay there and visit in comfortable homes.  It looks absolutely beautiful.  I wonder if any of the people Mr. McPhee mentioned are still alive and living on the island.  His writing allows the reader to feel like they are conversing with the people themselves.
*Highly recommend for those who love essays and learning about people in different cultures.
-Borrowed via Inter Lib. Loan (not available in my county).