Edinburgh: A New History

by Alistair Moffat

From prehistory to the present day, the story of Edinburgh is packed with incident and drama. As Scotland's capital since 1437, the city has witnessed many of the key events which have shaped the nation. But Edinburgh has always been much more than just a political centre. During the Enlightenment, it was one the intellectual powerhouses of Europe, and in the twentieth century it became the arts capital of the world with the founding of its many festivals. Finance, religion, education and industry are also important parts of the story.

Alistair Moffat explores these themes and many more, showing how the city has grown, changed and adapted over the centuries. He introduces Edinburgh's famous places and people – including monarchs, murderers, writers and philosophers – as well as the ordinary citizens who have contributed so much to the life of one of the world's best-known and most beautiful cites.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

Alistair Moffat is an award winning writer, historian and former Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Director of Programmes at Scottish Television.

Moffat was educated at the University of St Andrews, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Medieval History. He is the founder of the Borders Book Festival and Co-Chairman of The Great Tapestry of Scotland.

Reviews

[Andy Marr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice little potted history of Edinburgh, but none of its pages bring anything particularly new or spellbinding to the table. I was particularly surprised that it contained no illustrations, as they would have brought the book significantly more to life.

So, not bad, but also not a patch on Hamish Coghill's incredible 'Lost Edinburgh', which remains, for me, this century's finest account of Edinburgh's marvelous history.

[Jane Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely potted history of Edinburgh from Alistair Moffat - I bought this at a book talk he gave a few weeks ago. He obviously loves Edinburgh and it’s fascinating picking up all the little stories about different parts of the city and how it grew and expanded over the years. I know I’m very lucky to live here.

[Niko Ingoglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Such a thorough and quick history of the city. Would highly recommend for anyone headed to Edinburgh :)

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Alistair Moffat is really a journalist-turned-historian, and so he's good writer. This 'fair birls along', only in part because its fifty or so chapters on Scotland's capital city (and my home city) are very short. The reader is never allowed to get bored with any one topic.

Even after a lifetime of living in Edinburgh, there were things in this 200-page volume that were new to me, especially the geological and prehistoric stuff early on. At other times, it was good to be reminded of long-forgotten points. Edinburgh today is far less sectarian than the west of Scotland – frankly, my dear, we don't give a damn – but there have been some dark episodes in the past.

A critic might no doubt say this book is too 'surface' to be worthy of five stars (and I'm slightly doubtful about one or two of his assertions), hence the loss of a star, but that's its strength, too. As an introduction to Edinburgh, Moffat's new book is just great.

[Alix Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!! As a closeted urban planner and someone who has completely fallen in love with Edinburgh, it was fabulous to read a book tracing this city's first steps all the way until now. Lots of interesting random facts too about Scotland!!

Of course, this book was not written with the intention of being an exhaustive history of the city or the country, nor should it be read that way. It is, by all accounts, an urban history!

[Georgi_Lvs_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Nine hundred years ago, Edinburgh was not a city, not even a town, but in reality what we might think of today as a village of a few hundred souls where regular markets were held.’

Thank you to @birlinnbooks for gifting me with this fantastic book! I absolutely loved it 🫶🏻

I obviously think Edinburgh is amazing anyway 😂 but this book has made me love it even more!

A must read for anyone living in Edinburgh or planning to visit it.

[Jim Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting series of snap shots about Edinburgh. I have visiting a few times but not for 20 years and am due to stay there for 4 days. Got this out of the library and it was an interesting taster for the city. I think if I had a knowledge of the streets and areas Mr Moffat references frequently I would have enjoyed it more. Very detailed, very well and engagingly written.

[Dakota Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history told in vignettes, making it utterly entertaining and easy to digest. Some familiarity with the city is necessary to have a better understanding of place names, streets, and other aspects and follow along with the narrative.

[Anne Grzybowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well living just a stones throw from Edinburgh I'm now going to have to look for all the items pointed out in this book that I would never notice in a million years. Fantastically well written book with lots of details that need to be investigated first hand.

[Richard Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I come to Edinburgh two or three times a year to house and pet sit. As most owners choose to leave for sunnier climes, I'm generally here during autumn or winter when it's dreich. Still, even in the rainy gloom it's a fascinating and beautiful city. This brief volume reveals and enlightens, as to what makes Edinburgh such a special place. It has certainly provided me with many more places to explore.

[cp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read biography of a fascinating city.

[Brian M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and easily digestible tribute to an amazing city. I really enjoyed this book.

[Shaun Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable history

The author achieved the impossible in this book, he brings the history and grandjure of the city alive. A very readable and enjoyable book

[Eòghann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aotrom agus soirbh. Sealladh aithghearr air iomadach cuspair inntinneach.