GEORGE ROSE IS one of Scotland's most versatile and talented men of letters. He has written plays and at least one good novel, and been a journalist (on the Sunday Times) and a documentary film-maker. He has, like Kipling's Elephant's Child, a 'satiable curiosity. This book of essays and squibs displays to good effect his ability to come at unexpected subjects from surprising angles.

Its subtitle perhaps promises some- thing more sensational - and less sensible - than is offered. The range however is considerable. The first essay is called 'King Arthur's Scotland', the last 'Edinburgh's Narrow Escape', telling the story of the (fortunately) abortive plan to drive a motorway through the city. I