A history of Scotland

A history of Scotland

Neil Oliver, 1967-

Book - 2010

Book Description: Scotland is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a vivid and diverse past. Yet the stories and figures that dominate Scottish history - tales of failure, submission, thwarted ambition and tragedy - often badly serve this great nation, overshadowing the rich tapestry of her intricate past. Historian Neil Oliver presents a compelling new portrait of Scottish history, peppered with action, high drama and centuries of turbulence that have helped to shape modern Scotland. Along the way, he takes in iconic landmarks and historic architecture; debunks myths surrounding Scotland's famous sons; recalls forgotten battles; charts the growth of patriotism; and explores recent political developments, capturing Scotland&#...039;s sense of identity and celebrating her place in the wider world.

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Subjects
Scotland > History.
Scotland.
History.
Genres
History
Published
London : Weidenfeld & Nicolson 2010.
Language
English
Main Author
Neil Oliver, 1967- (author)
Edition
Paperback edition
Item Description
"First pub. in Great Britain in 2009 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson."--Title page verso.
Physical Description
xix, 459 pages, 24 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color), map ; 20 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 435-439) and index.
ISBN
9780753826638
  • List of Illustrations
  • Acknowledgements
  • Introduction
  • Map
  • 1. From the Basement of Time
  • 2. The Last of the Free
  • 3. The Hammers of the Scots
  • 4. Bishop Makes King
  • 5. Language is Power
  • 6. Project Britain
  • 7. King Jesus
  • 8. Jacobites
  • 9. Money!
  • 10. Wha's Like Us? - The Question of Identity
  • 11. Homeward Bound
  • Further Reading
  • Index
Review by Booklist Review

Archaeologist Oliver has become a BBC star hosting such history programs as Two Men in a Trench. This volume accompanies his latest series, about his homeland. Scotland is wedded, for better or worse, to England, and it's often been the latter for Scotland. Periods when Highlanders and Lowlanders stood independent of the English live on, however, in historical memory. It is to such popularly recollected names as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce that Oliver accordingly pegs his narrative, which unrolls from Celtic times to Roman times to Stuart times, which expired with Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat in 1745. Like characters in a dramatic play, the historical figures are pithily characterized (Mary Queen of Scots: dynastic dynamite ) and then sent into action. While populist in style, Oliver's presentation never caricatures its actors. He imparts impressions of them as real people with passions, convictions, and choices. Including such great Scottish cultural icons as poet Robert Burns, Oliver's warmhearted yet illusion-free survey of Scottish history piques interest in the auld country.--Taylor, Gilbert Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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