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John Reid was born in 1914 at Rathen near Fraserburgh. He spent his life as an Aberdeenshire farm labourer but in odd moments of escape from his 14-hour day he scribbled short stories, character studies, bothy tales. Eventually, prudently choosing a pen-name in case fellow-workers might resent his temerity, he had a few articles printed in local newspapers under the name of David Toulmin. They proved so popular that he was encouraged to expand his literary activities, though with typical North East canniness he never gave up his hated day job. He was 59 before his first book was published. Nine others followed, unusually winning both popular acclaim and academic enthusiasm. The play, Toulmin, by Aberdeen-born playwright Charles Barron, celebrates the life and works of this remarkable man.

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2004 (1 listings)