"written by himself and arranged and edited by John Galt" it says on the title page. John Galt (1779 - 1839) was a Scottish writer, whose novels are best known for their depiction of Scottish rural life, tinged with ironic humour. Most of his work is published between 1812 and 1839. Galt was a very prolific writer, but mainly remembered for two work, The annals of the parish (1821) being one of them

The annals of the parish, or the chronicle of Dalmailing during the ministry of the Rev. Micah Balwhidder is a somewhat puzzling work. Some parts are definitely humorous, such as the beginning when the Reverend Micah Balwhidder is appointed and arrives in the village, but his congregation tries to ban him from entering the church. There are other passages which are mildly funny, but as with the work of Thomas Love Peacock it seems I miss the knowledge to understand the wit or fail to recognize the humor.

The annals of the parish consists of 51 chapters, and introduction and 50 chapters each dedicated to one year between 1760 and 1810. 1760 is the year George III ascended the throne, but I do not see why the annals end in the year 1810. The annals do not describe any significant historical moments, neither do they give a chronology of each year. Instead, each chapter focusses on a rather random, 'insignificant' incident in the life of the reverend. Thus, the annals seem to be a personal log of highlights in the career of the Reverend, and perhaps the irony is that it is so totally insignificant.

It can't be said that nothing happens. In fact, in the margins of each episode mention is made to great events in world history, such as the French Revolution and the American Revolution and War of Independence. The irony is just that very little changes in the life of the Reverend. ( )

One of the allures of this book is the fact that John Galt somehow managed to write a fine parody of the kailyard school novels more than half a century before that school came into existence. At the same time, it gives a creditable picture of the changes in the lives of ordinary people in Scottish countryside during the second half of the 18th century. ( )

Not really a novel, as Galt himself said, but a series of annual vignettes (sort of a "News from Lake Wobegon" from a rural Scottish parish around the turn of the nineteenth century). Filled with great Scottish words, some very amusing moments, and excellent character names. ( )