Scotland: A Very Peculiar History: Volume 2

by Fiona Macdonald

" A Very Peculiar History - Volume 2" is the concluding part of a lively and informative account of the vibrant history of Scotland, from the beginnings of Stewart rule up to modern day Scotland. Celebrating the cultural and historic achievements of the Scottish, from the fierce Jacobite uprising to John Logie Baird's insulating socks, this title gives an up-to-date and objective account of the nation's chequered (or rather, 'tartaned') history. Fun and informative inserts and small illustrations accompany the main text. It includes fact boxes and index. The text is enlivened with black-and-white line drawings and humourous captions.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Scotland

192 pages, Hardcover

First published December 5, 2011

About the author

Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University and at the University of East Anglia. She has taught in schools, adult education and university, and is the author of numerous books for children on historical topics.

Reviews

[Jessika Caruso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much more Scottish history in Volume 2 (The Stewarts-Present Day). I would advise reading both volumes back-to-back for the best experience.

The book taught me everything I wanted to know as an intro to Scottish history. Some of the things I learned were:
-How the Stewart line of monarchs began (and how the name "Stewart" originated)
-Living conditions for common Scots
-Fashion through the centuries and decades
-Why Scotland and England achieved a single ruler
-Which Christmas Carol was actually a code announcing the birth of Bonnie Prince Charlie
... and more!

The book also highlights some famous Scots, from poets (more than just Robert Burns) to military leaders, political activists, inventors, performers, and athletes. This way, readers can research a particular person of interest in more detail.

Very nice (but small! About 4x6in.) book that I would recommend to anybody who wants a fun, enlightening read about Scotland. I'm going to look for more books in the "Peculiar History" series.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was great about including everything the scots did that I never knew about. For example, who knew that Allan Bean, one of the first men to step on the moon, was Scottish! Fiona Macdonald is an amazing author, with another amazing book.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting collection of anecdotes and "trivia." I enjoy this author's writing style as well. highly recommend.

[jeanette kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read! Had me googling events every few pages for more in depth information. Amazing how many kings and bloody battles there were!

[Max Rebo]

2 pequeños volúmenes, deliciosamente editados, en los que se repasa brevemente la historia de Escocia, . Está orientado para los más jóvenes, pero es perfecto para hacerse una idea general.

[Michell Karnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the series on Scotland. A great short yet informative book on Scotland.