Scotland: A Concise History

I was happy to see my book arrive before the expected delivery date. :) We look forward to using it when we tour Scotland in July. Thanks!

Scotland's political history is a long, complex, and fascinating tale, in which generations of Scotsmen have contended with successive waves of Irish, Roman, Viking, and English visitors for control of the rugged North of Britain. Fitzroy MacLean, former liaison from Churchill to Tito in Yugoslavia during the Second World War, wide-ranging diplomat in the Cold War, and a proud Scotsman, has penned an elegantly "Concise History of Scotland" for the general reader. First published in 1970 and periodically updated since, it is an excellent and lavishly illustrated introduction to Scotland. In the opening chapter, MacLean steps rapidly through Scottish pre-history, the Romans, the Vikings, and the first rulers of a united Scotland. The second chapter is perhaps the heart of the story. Dynastic struggles over the Scottish crown draw in English intervention. These years are dominated by Scotland's efforts to forge an independent identity. In later chapters, the union of England and Scotland changes the latter's destiny forever. To this day, Scotland is a distinctive part of the United Kingdom, whose sons and daughters have contributed much to the common welfare, whether as soldiers, poets, explorers, inventors, or industrialists. Scotland's heritage as embodied in the clans, the kilts, and the castles form a tradition that continues to draw both visitors and academic interest. Inevitably, MacLean's short book passes over much that might be of interest about Scotland, especially items outside the political realm. However, MacLean's concise narrative holds up extremely well as a reading experience, and is therefore highly recommended to those general readers looking for an introduction to Scotland.

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.

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...............

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.