Scotland

A previous reviewer complained the author presented this history of Scotland in a "bleak and depressing" manner. My dear boy, Scotland's ancient history WAS bleak and depressing! Were you expecting a joyous recitation on the wee people, Nessie, and how to make Scotch? How would it be possible to present a history of Scottish kings without mentioning they had died? Part of what is so incredible about Scotland and its people is the horrible elements hurled at them, by both man and nature, with which they battled for survival, and over which they triumphed. For a serious intellectual interested in the unglossy, non-touristy version of Scotland's history, this is an excellent, if somewhat necessarily abbreviated, source of well-researched factual history, presented by a leading expert in the field. On the other hand, if your cerebral matter requires a bit less challenging source of information, you might check out "The Ultimate Guide to Being Scottish," a wonderful, light read. Or, if you're visiting Scotland try hooking up with a tour, such as whiteheathertravelDOTcom, where you get happy, little, romantic, snippets which require no nasty depressing, brain-strain whatsoever.