http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2162540.html

In this book, Rankin pulls back the curtain to show us where Inspector Rebus came from. He introduces us to Fife, to Edinburgh, to Scotland as a whole, and to how his own personal history intersects with that of his creation. Rebus is older and more right-wing, but has mysteriously similar tastes in music to Rankin; they have lived on the same streets, and drunk in the same pubs. Rankin is not sure if he really likes Rebus; they have been too close for too long, with communication really only in one direction, for the relationship to be entirely healthy. It's thanks to Rebus that there is an Ian Rankin Close in their home town; the writer feels that this is a mixed blessing. It's a very good exploration of Scotland as a political and cultural entity, and how that is reflected in art.

There are some lovely photographs in the book, but they are badly presented, jammed into four different clutches and not well integrated with the text. I hope that a future edition will use better production methods to help readers appreciate them. ( )

As a massive Rankin fan I had to read this and it did not disappoint. Rankin comes over as a down to earth guy who likes his music and a pint in the pub. His critique of his country and countrymen is excellent. ( )

"This is partly my autobiography, part biography of Rebus, and partly a book about modern-day Scotland, where it's going and where it came from" - Ian Rankin.
A companion book to Rankin's best-selling series of Inspector Rebus mysteries, illustrated with atmospheric black and white photographs by Tricia Malley and Ross Gillespie, who since 1999 have provided the jacket covers for the Rebus novels.
A fascinating read for Rebus fans or for those who are interested in Edinburgh, Fife and modern-day Scotland. ( )

transferring information from 2006 spreadsheet