The Macdonalds Of Clanranald (1881) - Paperbackby Alexander MacKenzie (Author) The Macdonalds of Clanranald is a historical book written by Alexander Mackenzie and published in 1881. The book tells the story of the Clanranald branch of the Macdonald family, one of the most prominent clans in the Scottish Highlands. The book covers the history of the clan from its origins in the 13th century through to the 18th century, when the clan played a significant role in the Jacobite uprising of 1745.