A Pocket History of Scotland

by Blair Millar

From prehistoric times to the present day this comprehensive history presents the story of Scotland in bite-size chunks. With full colour illustrations throughout this is an attractive and practical guide to Scotland's colourful history.



Encompassing stories of some of Scotland's best known characters as well as key moments in Scotland's past, this pocket history recalls the country's struggles through dark times, its successes, its people and places. The wealth of Scottish culture and tradition is described as well as the key events and people that have shaped the country today.



Based on the bestselling Pocket History of Ireland - 32,000 copies sold since publication in 2010 - this book promises to repeat the bestselling formula for the Scottish market.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2013

Reviews

[Jaimy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exactly what I hoped it would be. A short little catch up of things I need to know about this countries history.

I can't speak on how complete this book is. But it was nice having this on my trip and taking it out when encountering a famous figure or getting a bit of background on the geology etc. When visiting new places. It's also very nicely illustrated with pictures and foto's.

It's basically offline Wikipedia. Including it's sources. But when visiting official Historic Places and historians, it would hold up in my travels as factual.

[Charlotte Gundry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got interested in learning more Scottish history after a trip to Edinburgh- overall this was a really useful book as a basis for further reading!

[Piper Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice little book of bite sized history and pictures

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on the flight back from Scotland to Canada. It was a very quick, informative, and visual presentation of Scotland including some of their wars, fires, revolutions, economy, and the Highland Clearances. As far as history goes, here it all is in one condensed and easy version. Obviously, it doesn't have the time or space to go into more details, but it presents the basic ones people need to know about or would find interesting. I enjoy reading a book like this on the plane as planes are more for relaxation rather than keen observation.

[Floris Kleijne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so much a history as a loosely connected series of standalone chapters, with many cases of unnecessary repetition, and very little continuity. All the facts are in there, but the author utterly fails to forge them into a coherent whole. Also, the coverage of the early history of Scotland is sorely lacking. It's almost like the author collected (or wrote) the informational panels for a few dozen museum displays, and then decided to bind them into a single cover.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the souvenir book that I bought in Edinburgh and, in addition to its photos and illustrations, it provides a useful sketch of the sweep of Scottish history. I enjoyed reading about the significance of many of the sites I visited and if I ever go back, I have many other interesting locations to find.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is organised separate chapters on various topics “all Scotland”. It is a good start if you know little about the history and culture of Scotland.
I would suggest including maps in the next edition, so that a reader who is not familiar with geography of Scotland could better understand the narrative.

[Sir Robbiethehoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and informative read. Whilst concise this book provides an excellent overview of the history of Scotland from its beginnings up to the present. The book covers a wealth of topics and the accompanying illustrations further enhance the overall great reading experience. Although, one must have exceedingly large pockets to fit this book into.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect little book to get a summary of Scottish history and culture. Doesn't delve too deep and takes on many different topics. Every now and then some things were repeated, but all in all it was a nice and easily digestible overview of the most important people and events that made Scotland what it is today.

[Carsyn! · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read to prepare for my trip. Two weeks! Who can believe it??

(I think it is worth mentioning that I FOR SURE got so many people mixed up in this book, but I understand the difficulty of writing about all of Scotland's history in 250 pages, so I don't blame Millar here.)

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly fascinating for everyone who wants a quick introduction to Scotland's history! I loved it, and I love it even more knowing I bought it at Edinburgh Castle

[Misty Galbraith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, brief overview. Lots of great pictures!

[Dylan Reay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and informative

[Simone Camosso · Rating 4 out of 5]

In order to be a very short book all salient points of the scottish history are included, so a good lecture!

[Siti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct and managed to attract my interest till the last pages. Excellent.

[Andres Pasten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un buen compendio para neofitos en la historia del Reino Unido, recomendable y facil de leer

[Hawraa Mohammed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish there’s such a book for each country

[Francisca]

i mean, it gives what it says it has on the tin