 | Scotland: The Story of a Nation by Magnus Magnusson
Buy used from: $3.86 Fitfully entertaining look at the history of this Celtic-Gaelic-Norse-Norman-Pictish-Anglo-Briton-Flemish-Iberian country. And they say Americans are mixed...
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 | The Steel Bonnets (Common Reader Editions) by George Macdonald-Fraser
Buy used from: $3.28 It's amazing how history repeats itself. The raids between Scots & English of the 16th century are very similar to the border battles that their offspring fought in KS & MO during the US Civil War.
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 | Highlanders: A History of the Scottish Clans by Fitzroy MacLean
Buy used from: $5.84 This excellent book by a beloved Scots historian shows the martial, yet, at times gentle way of life of Scots Gaels. Also speaks of the strained relations between Gaels and lowlanders.
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 | How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World and Everything in It by Arthur Herman
Buy new: $17.79 / Used from: $5.26 The Scots seem to have quite a number of "we're so great" books. Yet, unlike some of the other efforts, this one is accurate & enjoyable. Just make sure you get the tartan bookmark to match.
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 | The Mark of the Scots: Their Astonishing Contributions to History, Science, Democracy, Literature by Duncan A. Bruce
Buy new: $14.96 / Used from: $1.63 As stated above, this is one of the more questionable ethnic pride pieces.The book overextends itself by including anyone who has achieved something, even if their Scots heritage is minimal, at most.
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 | The Forgotten Monarchy of Scotland: The True Story of the Royal House of Stewart and the Hidden Lineage of the Kings and Queens of Scots by Michael James Alexander Stewart
Buy used from: $4.88 I have a Jacobite ancestor who fought at Culloden; maybe I'll become royal taster if Mick takes the throne from the old lady. Uh-oh, just insulted 2 rulers from the oldest dynasty in Europe. Oh well..
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 | The Flight of Bonnie Prince Charlie by Michael J. Stead
Buy used from: $2.25 Charles lived up to the phrase "can't get arrested", although the Hannoverians did try. The real heroes of this tragic period are the common people who suffered for this man's quest for power.
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 | The Scottish Nation: A History, 1700-2000 by T. M. Devine
Buy used from: $9.50 A dry, academic book that is not for the readers of Scottish romantic history. Very digestable if taken in small bites, but sits heavy if taken in large quantities. A bit like Scots food, in fact.
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 | Dynasty: The Stuarts: 1560-1807 by John Macleod
Buy used from: $0.31 A very subjective book, and also a wonderful read. Macleod is a bit biased in his opinions, but biased history can be fun. Take Paul Johnson, for instance. Or leave him, if you'd prefer.
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 | The Collected Poems of Robert Burns (Wordsworth Poetry Library) by Robert Burns
Buy used from: $0.01 You didn't think you'd escape him, did you? Burns is very readable, even if one isn't used to the Scottish dialect used in this delightful poetry. Compulsory if you want to revel in your Scottishness.
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 | Trainspotting
Buy used from: $6.91 This popular film doesn't manage to COMPLETELY ape Clockwork Orange, but it's not for want of trying. The novel is slightly better. Not for your tartan-loving grandma.
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 | The Rough Guide to Scotland (4th Edition) by Rob Humphreys
Buy new: $13.22 / Used from: $0.99 Having had the pleasure of visiting Scotland twice, this guide proved to be essential. If you love friendly people, beautiful landscapes & fantastic history, Scotland is the place to be.
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 | The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands & Islands (Rough Guide Travel Guides) by Rough Guides
Buy used from: $0.91 A helpful guide to the most romantic region in the world and to the lovely people who live there.
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