In order to prevent that species of disappointment which arises from expecting in a book what it was not intended to contain, it is judged proper to intimate that it is not designed in the following pages to discuss difficult or disputed genealogical questions, but merely to give such sketches of the representatives and leading members of the great historical families of Scotland, as may exhibit their personal character, and at the same time throw some light on national manners and customs, as well as on warlike exploits and court intrigues. The valuable works, printed for private circulation, on the Douglases, Scotts, Maxwells, Maules, Mackenzies of Cromarty, the Earls of Menteith, and other ancient and powerful families, together with the Reports of the Historical Manuscripts Commission, have furnished such an abundance of interesting information respecting these great old houses, that this work has extended far beyond the limits originally proposed. It has in consequence been found necessary to lay aside, in the meantime, the sketches of a considerable number of the most illustrious Scottish families, which were ready for the press. Should the present volumes meet with a favourable reception, these sketches may be published as some future time.-- Preface to the First Edition.