The tensions and interplay between these identities form part of Murray Pittock’s handsome new history.

Whether you’re touring the entirety of the country, or just one area, this book will prepare you for anywhere you could possibly travel to in Scotland. I love Neil Oliver from his appearances on Coast because his enthusiasm encourages everyone to share in his love of history and I had no doubt that I would enjoy this book. Interesting personalities, stomach turning gore, mind numbing political machinations, and the rise and fall cycles of the country's fortunes. This nation's sea efforts contributed to Britain's development not only as an empire, but as a top maritime power of the 19th century.

Today, many hold misconceptions about the Highlands, viewing them as a land of barbarism and backwards living. Defenseless and burning, Clydebank was vulnerable to the Germans as they continued dropping land-mines and parachute blasters. William Dalrymple, Spectator, “Books of the Year”“Perhaps the best book on Scotland I ever have read. Including the devastation of famine, wars fought at sea, and complicated royal figures, Scotland is full of engaging and astounding true tales.

From Mary, Queen of Scots, to Bill Connolly, this book includes eye witnesses from multiple decades to create a wide spectrum of more than 2000 years of Scottish history. Alex Massie, The Spectator“There is scarcely a dull page in this book, though readers may well find the wealth of detail dizzying.The Scots have always been a restless people', says leading Scottish historian Marjory Harper 'but in the nineteenth century their restlessness exploded into a sustained surge of emigration that carried Scotland almost to the top of a European league table of emigrant exporting countries. His voice is delightful - in fact I suspect he could read me the phone directory and it would be good! Through his personality, ingenuity and ability, he initiated a resistance movement which ultimately secured the nation's freedom and independence.

Fredrik Albritton Jonsson recovers the forgotten networks of improvers and natural historians that sought to transform the .Written with the vim and accessibility that are a hallmark of the historian’s presenting style, A History of Scotland debunks myths, celebrates neglected events and provides pithy and page-turning pen portraits of the nation’s favourite figures. The Kingdom of Scotland emerged as its own sovereign state in the Early Middle Ages, and became part of Great Britain in 1707. Clan and Castle: Some of the most powerful dynasties in Scotland’s history came from humble clan beginnings. By far the most stimulating, the most instructive and the most readable account of Scotch history that I have read!

Yet the stories and figures that dominate Scottish history - tales of failure, submission, thwarted ambition and tragedy - often badly serve this great nation, overshadowing the rich tapestry of her intricate past. Filled with stunning photographs and memorable contributions from Scottish personalities, this visually appealing book is the perfect way to get yourself accustomed to everything that is special about Scotland.

Oliver takes care to select the most important figures and their significance in Scottish as well as European and early American history, describes in vivid detail important battles, debunks myths surrounding many historical figures, and plots the rise of patriotism. The Scottish Highlands and its Gaelic traditions have always held words in high esteem, be it bardic poems, scathing satires, clan sagas, or incantations of curses and blessings. To be fair, I think that is a characteristic of a lot British authors, who have never had to confront the legacies of the slave trade in the same way as Americans.