Most everyone interested in Scotland is familiar with the capital city, Edinburgh, but how many are aware that for two centuries another city existed sharing the same space.  This city is underneath the current bustling metropolis.  When I opened this book I expected another history book but what I found was truly an experience.

The first part of the book relates how because Edinburgh was enclosed in a great wall there was nowhere to expand except downwards.  The underground city was the last place people wanted to live so it became the slums of ancient time.  For 350 years the area was infested with disease, rats and criminals.  The underground city became a hidden and forgotten place in the mid 1900s.

Tales from the underground city is the subject matter in the second part of the book.  If you are not into ghosts, witches, and tales of macabre you might find part of this section belonging into the “unbelievable” category.  It hard to disagree with the author’s representation of these terrorizing events since each is supported by facts from documents and reports from normal people.

I found this books an entertaining and educational read that is well written and documented.  I gave the book four thistles and urge everyone who is interested in Edinburgh and/or the mystical side of Scotland to add it to their library.