The Celtic Placenames of Scotland - Softcover

Watson, William J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1841583235 ISBN 13: 9781841583235

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd, 2004

Synopsis

First published in 1926, this remains the best and most comprehensive reference guide to the Celtic place-names of Scotland. This is the only paperback edition of this classic work, which is essential reading for anyone interested in Scottish history and the derivations of place names the length and breadth of the country. Many place-names date before the arrival of the Celts (the name 'Tay', for example, is almost certainly thousands of years old), and each successive group of invaders and settlers - Britons, Dalriadic Scots, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans, Picts and many others - constantly adding and enriching, leaving their own unique story in the landscape. The book is divided into sections dealing with early names, territorial divisions, general surveys of areas; it also looks at saints, church terms and river names. For the scholar, and indeed anyone interested in the subject, this book is a prime reference point which has never been surpassed.

About this title

Review:

"One of the most detailed source books on our settlements' origins and meaning' - Scots Magazine"

About the Author:

William J. Watson was professor of Celtic at the University of Edinburgh for over twenty years. He is recognised as one of the greatest ever scholars in the field. Simon Taylor is a specialist in Scottish place-names and teaches in the history department at St Andrews University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1841583235
• ISBN 13: 9781841583235
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 588