Scottish History Books

The Scots and the Union This is a timely and groundbreaking new assessment of the Treaty of Union of 1707. As we approach the 300th Anniversary of the 1707 Treaty of Union between Scotland and England on 1st May, this book offers a radical new analysis of the Union. It traces the background to the Union, explains why it happened, and assesses its impact on Scottish society, including the bitter struggle with the Jacobites for acceptance of the Union. Christopher Whatley rejects the idea that the Scots were 'bought and sold for English gold'. He looks more sympathetically at the Scottish politicians of the day and tries to uncover the ideas and principles that motivated them. He argues controversially that the Scots were not totally anti-Union and that they were not bribed and bullied into Union with England. Drawing on previously unused sources, the book argues that the Unionists were as patriotic as many of their opponents. The complex and shifting opinions of the Scottish people outside Parliament are also examined, as well as the effect this had on proceedings within.

The Oxford Companion to Scottish History The Oxford Companion to Scottish History interprets history broadly, including archaeology, architecture, culture, folk belief, climate, geology, and languages in its scope. Compiled by more than 170 contributors, it covers over 2000 years and extends from Galloway to Orkney and Shetland and from the Borders to the Western Isles. At more than half a million words and nearly 800 pages, it provides comprehensive coverage of Scotland's eventful history. Entries on figures such as Columba, Macbeth, William Wallace, and James (Paraffin) Young sit alongisde entries on sport and culture - on Burns Clubs, curling, and shinty - and on major historical issues such as clans, Clearances, and Covenanters. It also deals extensively with migration and with Scots abroad - from Canada to Russia to New Zealand. It is more than a historical dictionary or an encyclopedia - it analyses as well as describes. Multi-authored entries explore key themes such as kingship, national identity, women, urban and rural life, the economy, housing, living standards, and religious beliefs across the centuries in an authoritative but approachable way.

Border Fury: England and Scotland at... War, 1296-1568. For three hundred years England and Scotland fought a bitter series of wars for territorial enlargement.Border Fury provides a fascinating account of the period of Anglo-Scottish Border conflict from the Edwardian invasions of 1296 until the Union of the Crowns under James VI of Scotland, James I of England in 1603.The book looks at developments in the art of war during the period, the key transition from medieval to renaissance warfare, the development of tactics, arms, armour and military logistics during the period. All the key personalities involved are profiled and the typology of each battle site is examined in detail with the author providing several new interpretations that differ radically from those that have previously been understood.This is the first total overview of the long history of the Anglo-Scottish Border Wars and gives a valuable insight into why the legacy of these battles lives with us today in the current climate of Anglo-Scottish relations and the devolution debate.

Highlanders: A History of the Gaels. In this sweeping chronicle, award-winning journalist John Macleod offers an insider's view of the Scottish Highlands, from the Stone Age to the present day. In this illuminating, wonderfully readable study, John Macleod unfolds the history of the land and people of the Scottish Highlands. From Mesolithic man, through the Celts, the Vikings, and the Lords of the Isles to the Stuart monarch, Macleod examines the terrible events following Culloden and the forced emigrations, the Evangelical Movement, and the Crofter's War. Bringing the story right up to date, he looks at the current decline of the Gaels and the struggle of the Highland people to redefine themselves in a changing world.

Scottish History (Collins Dictionary... Scottish history from the 10th century. Alphabetically arranged, this inclusive guide to major and minor events and personalities from Scotland's story matches accessibility with scholarship drawing on the most up-to-date research. There are key articles on major themes and issues, all entries are fully referenced with guidance to further reading on each major topic or personality, and a substantial section of appendices presenting key statistical and other data. The book aims to be a solid reference work that will also satisfy the browser.

Return To Best Scottish Books