Product Description

A timely and 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' (1827-29), which has moulded the views of generations of Scottish schoolchildren. Like Scott, Magnus Magnusson is a master story teller. In investigating the many questions raised by the nation's turbulent and often poignant past, he gives full weight to the living treasure of local legends and tradition which he believes has as much resonance as academic analysis. Where did the 'Scots' come from? What is the truth about such historical figures as Macbeth, William Wallace and Robert Bruce? What was the significance of the tragic reign of Mary Queen of Scots? What was the impact of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his brutal defeat at Culloden? Incorporating the findings of many leading modern historians, 'Scotland: The Story of a Nation' casts the nation's history in a fascinating new light. It is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Scotland at this pivotal moment in its history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8827 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 752 pages

About the Author
Magnus Magnusson KBE is an Icelandic national who has spent most of his life in Scotland. After studying English at Oxford, he joined the Scottish Daily Express in 1953, and the Scotsman in 1961 as Assistant Editor. Since 1967 he has been a freelance writer and broadcaster, specialising in history, archaeology and environmental affairs. He has presented many programmes on BBC TV, including Chronicle (1967--80), Mastermind (1972--97), and a twelve-part series on Vikings! (1980). He has published more than twenty books. In 1989 he was awarded an honorary knighthood for his services to the heritage of Scotland. He was chairman of the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland (1981--89) and of Scottish Natural Heritage (1992--99).

Customer Reviews

Bringing History to Life
As one who has read little else but novels over the years, I would never have thought of reading a history book from cover to cover but something made me want to find out more about all those bits of Scottish history I knew precious little about...the Covenanters, James VI, and all that.
I have been transfixed since I took up Magnusson's tome. It's a fascinating and thoroughly readable journey through Scotland's history. The savagery, intrigue and instability of the centuries is marvellously recorded here and a measured analysis of each monarch's place in history is provided...

A nearly complete history of Scotland
Magnus Magnusson is a noted broadcaster and writes well. He manages to achieve that rare feat among writers of history: that of writing not only a very readable book but one that is written at the correct level for the readers to whom it is directed; namely, he writes a fairly detailed narrative history which can be understood and appreciated by those who know little or no Scottish history, without being patronising or unintelligible. The book does have its faults: there are too few maps and no genealogical tables; with the latter we could understand those Montroses! Although he curiously follows Walter Scott, hardly an objective writer, this is no disadvantage until the end when, after Scott ends his narrative, Dr Magnusson unfortuantely fades away as has been commented on above. This book is well worth the attention of those who would like to know the history of Scotland.

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.