In this sixth book about Barra and other southern islands of Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Branigan (emeritus archaeology, Sheffield U.) explores the life of Roderick, who succeeded his father, also Roderick, as chief of the Clan Macneil in 1822. Having grown up at the clan headquarters on the island, he served in the British Army and took part in some of the pivotal events of the early 19th century. Once chief, he tried to introduce the Industrial Revolution, but the effort bankrupted him. He sold his legacy and the clan territory in 1836 and vanished, only to reappear as a distinguished officer in India in 1842, and finally retired in comfort. His story is intertwined with the stories of the clan, the islands, Scotland, and the United Kingdom from long before his birth to the present day. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)