Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #87387 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 752 pages

Synopsis
A vivid look at Scotland's long and difficult road to nationhood, re-exploring some cherished myths and unearthing a wealth of fascinating new detail. Magnus Magnusson's starting-point is Sir Walter Scott's classic version of Scotland's history, "Tales of a Grandfather". Since its first appearance in 1827-29, Scott's book has moulded the views of generations of Scottish schoolchildren. It told the story of Scotland from the point of view of a deeply patriotic Tory who believed that the nation's destiny had been fulfilled with the Union of Parliaments in 1707. Magnus Magnusson takes the reader through Scotland's history from the earliest Mesolithic settlers on the island of Rum to the establishment of the new Scottish parliament in 1999. In investigating the many questions raised by the nation's turbulent and often poignant past, he gives full weight to the "people's history" of Scotland - the living treasure of local legends and tradition which he believes has as much resonance as academic analysis. Where did the "Scots" come from? To what extent was Scotland shaped by the Viking raids and settlements? What happened to the Picts?

What is the truth about such historical figures as Macbeth and William Wallace? Was Robert Bruce really inspired by a spider in a cave? What was the significance of the tragic reign of Mary Queen of Scots? Who were the Covenanters? What really lay behind the Massacre of Glencoe? What were the long-term effects of the 1707 Treaty of Union with England? What was the impact of Jacobitism, the '45 rising in support of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and its brutal defeat at Culloden?

Customer Reviews

Scottish history at it's best.
Thought it might be heavy reading but it is anything but. Well written story of Scottish history. Well worth reading. Could have done with a few more maps but otherwise excellent. Couldn't put it down until i finished.
Scottish history is worth knowing about and until i read the book i had no idea religion was also behind so much going on within the country and it's downfall. Magnus Magnusson has done Scotland proud with this informative book on it's history.

The true Story of a Nation
Magnus Magnussons' 'Scotland, Story of a Nation' is wonderfully written and gives a poignant insight into Scottish history. From the Romans, to Bonnie Prince Charlie, this book is excellent and covers an immense variety of events which have shaped the way Scotland, as a Nation is today. Informative, without being overbearing, Factual and not fanciful, this book is a must for anyone studying or interested in Scottish history!

I loved it, thoroughly researched and detailed
I was given this book as a xmas present and read it avidly particularly the era of the wars of independence around 1300. The one thing that surprises me is that scotland was able to remain a nation independent of the english for so long after we suffered defeat and defeat at the hands of the english. back to the book and it is worth buying if you are interested in or ,know nothing about scottish history.