Book excerpt: Angus MacKay (1812-1859) is one of the most important figures in piping history, though today he is best-known for having gone mad. He was the first piper to hold the position of Piper to the Sovereign, appointed early in Victoria's reign. This novel lets MacKay tell his story, from his childhood on the Isle of Raasay, to his rise to early renown and his marriage, to Buckingham Palace and Balmoral, and, finally, Bedlam. Rich in historic detail, following a man's journey from a humble background to the peak of fame, this novel is perfect for any lover of historic fiction.