Try Anything Once

Kinross, Scotland: Mrs. N.H. Walker, 1995. Soft cover. Very Good/No Jacket. p/b 185 pages, condition is good, minor edge wear. For countless generations Scots men and women have journeyed to the furthest corners of the earth as merchants, missionaries, travellers and explorers. The instinct for adventure and the need to find out what goes on beyond the distant, horizon are deeply ingrained in the Scottish psyche, and the exploits of the Scots abroad always make intriguing reading. This book is no exception. From kindergarten in Crieff and happy youthful days in Slamannan, Nan Walker takes us literally on a journey of half a lifetime, for the story draws to a close in 1956, leaving scope for a second volume. As an autobiography or as a travel book Nan Walker's account of her early years illuminates a fascinating period in world history. More personally it brings to life with great humour and sensitivity, colourful episodes from parts of the world few of us have a chance to visit. In true Scottish tradition the resourceful Scots lass learns to speak Kikuyu or Spanish and turns her hand to teaching History, English or Arithmetic in schools and colleges as far apart as Milnathort, Tumutumu, Cairo and Lima. There is plenty of adventure too: a bank robbery, a tense wartime voyage to Africa, earthquakes and encounters with whales, sharks and lions are just some of her thrilling experiences recounted. I have known Nan Walker for some 25 years, largely through our connection with the Kinross-shire Antiquarian Society, but only in reading these pages have I come to appreciate the true nature of her deep interest in history and travel.