From Glen to Glen

Sam McClanahan has spent years researching the origins and migration patterns of his “Scotch-Irish” ancestors before finally completing From Glen to Glen. Beginning in 1610, the novel depicts the migration of the Scotch-Irish by tracing the movement of generations of “MacLeans”, a fictional family, from the Lowlands of Scotland, to Ulster in the north of Ireland and finally to America in the early 1700’s. This novel presents the historical progression of a people that have had such a major impact on the shaping of America. The book will not only appeal to those Americans descended from the “Scotch-Irish”, but anyone who enjoys reading a fast-paced, action-packed, highly romantic, historically-accurate novel presented in the most fundamental human terms.

When Hugh O’Neill, one of the last great Irish Clan Leaders, is finally defeated, King James I of England moves quickly to control the province of Ulster in Northern Ireland by encouraging Scottish Lowlanders to cross the Irish Sea and settle there. By 1610, these hardy folk are flocking to the port city of Dumfries seeking passage to Ireland. Young Alexander MacLean’s opportunity to escape the drudgery of life in Scotland comes quite suddenly and unexpectedly when he discovers Sir Rodney Dunbar, his Landlord’s son, attempting to rape Anne Campbell, the girl Alexander loves and plans to marry. Alexander slays Sir Rodney and he and Anne escape to Ireland. Befriended by other Scots, Alexander and Anne settle down in County Tyrone. They are soon joined there by Alexander’s strikenly, beautiful sister, Priscilla, who soon falls in love with the handsome, young, Irish outlaw, Kevin Lynch. After almost a century marked by bloody rebellion Alexander and Anne MacLean’s and Kevin and Priscilla Lynchs’ great-grandchildren join the great exodus of Ulstermen bound for the New World.

Sam McClanahan received a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 1963. After a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a master’s degree in Education from MTSU. While employed by the Tennessee Department of Education, he devoted thirty-four years toward improving education throughout his native state. Retirement has provided Sam with more time for writing, oil painting, reading and enjoying Classical, Jazz and Bluegrass music. Sam and his wife Liz make their home in the beautiful, rolling hills of Middle Tennessee. They are the parents of two sons and the grandparents of three granddaughters.