This reference work serves as a comprehensive authoritative guide to the history, structure, and cultural identity of the Scottish clan system. The authors, George Way of Plean and Romilly Squire, collaborated with the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs to compile this definitive record. By synthesizing historical analysis with genealogical data, the text provides a structured framework for understanding the evolution and legal standing of over 350 individual clans.

The text is regarded as a standard reference for those researching Scottish heritage due to its official endorsement by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. Its dense, encyclopedic format provides a reliable resource for both academic historians and individuals tracing ancestral lineages.