Product Description

"The Scots," said a censorious English member of Parliament in 1607, "have not suffered above two kings to die in their beds these two hundred years." He may have exaggerated, but undeniably Scotland has a rough and bloodstained history. It is a complex one too, but Sir Fitzroy Maclean disentangles the threads and enlivens his brisk account with both wit and scholarship. Pictures from authentic contemporary sources illuminate his story--its romantic figures and bloody battles, its politics and religion--and provide a rich visual record of Scotland's art, craftsmanship, and intellectual life. For this revised edition, the distinguished journalist Magnus Linklater (former editor of The Scotsman), explores the renewed strengths of Scottish identity as the country enters the new millennium with a new parliament. 250 b/w illustrations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #114239 in Books
• Published on: 2000
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780500282335
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Review
A truly remarkable collection of illustrations, mostly unfamiliar, gathered with excellent judgement from many sources and beautifully reproduced. -- Times Literary Supplement

Magnificently illustrated, it is a constant visual delight . . . an admirable introduction to a fascinating subject. -- The Scotsman

About the Author
Sir Fitzroy Maclean for many years held important posts in the British diplomatic service, armed forces, and government, and was an honorary LLD of Glasgow, Dundee and Dalhousie Universities. His many publications include Holy Russia; the highly acclaimed Tito: A Pictorial Biography; Bonnie Prince Charlie; and Highlanders: A History of the Highland Clans. He died in 1996.

Customer Reviews

The truth is out there!
A facinating account of the history of our great nation. Having been educated in England, I found that British history in schools is really English history. This book is an opportunity to see a large part of British history from a very different perspective. The accounts of the conflicts between rival families for the Scots crown are as riveting as any novel. This seems to be an accurate account without too much flannel or personal opinion. If you want one book on Scottish history then buy this! Colin...............

Just terrific!!!
This book has it all-- organized and effective writing, a genealogy of Scottish kings in the front of the book (instead of hidden at the back as it is in many books), a detailed reference map of Scotland, and wonderful and unusual illustrations, many of them what I call "primary". These illustrations show Scotland's historic figures, its bloody battles, and the politics and religion. We also see examples of Scotland's creative and intellectual efforts throughout the centuries.

Some of the topics covered are the advent of Christianity, the Norsemen and the Normans, the alliance with France, William Wallace (wasn't he played by Mel Gibson?), the Renaissance, Mary Queen of Scots, the Campbell Clan, Cromwell, the Restoration, William and Mary, the Industrial Revolution, the arts in Scotland, and many more topics of great interest.

The author has laid out the complex and sometimes convoluted history of Scotland in a most readable fashion. I cannot emphasize how much the 200+ illustrations add to this book and to one's understanding.

Very nicely done, strong work with nice illustrations.
I found this work to be a very informative and interesting read. The illustrations are well done add a great deal to the historical detail. If you are looking for a "nuts & bolts" version of Scottish history this is a good choice.