Scotland: The Story of a Nation - Softcover

Magnusson, Magnus

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0006531911 ISBN 13: 9780006531913

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2001

Synopsis

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.

About this title

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?

From the Back Cover:

Magnus Magnusson's timely and vivid look at Scotland's long a difficult road to nationhood takes as its starting-point Sir Walter Scott's 'Tales of a Grandfather', which has moulded the views of generations of Scottish schoolchildren since its first appearance in 1827-29.

Like Scott, Magnus Magnusson is a master story-teller, who investigates such questions as: Where did the 'Scots' come from? What happened to the Picts? What is the truth about such historical figures a Macbeth, William Wallace and Robert Bruce? What was the significance of the tragic reign of Mary Queen of Scots? Who were the Covenanters? What 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 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' and his brutal defeat at Culloden?

In his journey through Scotland's past, the author has visited many of the places which have shaped its history and takes account of all the latest historical research.

'Magnus Magnusson tells his story with vigour and lucidity... he sets himself to put the romance back into history, and succeeds splendidly, His account of the wars of independence is admirably gripping'
ALLAN MASSIE, 'Spectator'

'A very readable, traditional history told as a tale from its beginnings up to now... offering hundreds of well-chosen photographs and reproductions.'
NEAL ASCHERSON, 'Observer'

'Mr Magnusson has distilled the past to give us a romp through history that is as gripping as – but far more accurate than – any Hollywood blockbuster.'
SUNDAY EXPRESS

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0006531911
• ISBN 13: 9780006531913
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 752