Scotland ─ The Story of a Nation

Kirkus Reviews hailed Magnus Magnusson's book as a "vast, superb history [that] relates Scotland's past over a dozen millennia." Drawing on a great deal of modern scholarship that has redefined the nation's story, Magnusson vividly re-creates the long and fascinating story of Scotland, offering the most up-to-date and comprehensive history available today. Magnusson, who received an honorary knighthood for his contributions to the preservation of Scotland's heritage, casts the nation's historical trajectory as a long struggle toward nationhood. He explains the roots of the original Scots and examines the extent to which Scotland was shaped by the Romans, the Picts, the Vikings, and the English. He casts a sober eye on the many historical myths that have developed over the years, assessing their credibility while giving full appreciation of their importance to the people of Scotland. In addition to this cultural history, Magnusson offers a detailed account of the political and economic forces that shaped the nation's fate. Acclaimed by The Washington Post as a "well-told traditional history," this is a comprehensive history of Scotland packed with colorful stories, bloody battles, vicious political intrigues, and a rich pageant of historical characters. Encompassing everything from the first Mesolithic settlers in 7000 b.c. to the present movements for independence, Scotland: The Story of a Nation is a history on an epic level, and essential reading for anyone interested in the past of this fascinating land. "[Magnusson's] passion for his adopted land and his extensive knowledge of its history infuse the book." -- John Maxwell Hamilton, The Dallas Morning News "A very readable, traditional history told as a tale from its beginnings up to now." -- Neal Ascherson, The Observer (London)