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Amber Books A History of Scotland (History in Photographs).
Discover more about Robert the Bruce and other unforgettable figures that made Scotland the great nation it is today. Through fascinating images and expert text, A History of Scotland takes you through each decade of Scotland’s varied and dramatic past up to the present day. A History of Scotland provides a pictorial exploration from the times of the Neolithic stone circles of Orkney to the turbulent referendums of the contemporary era. The book is arranged chronologically, from the Roman invasion of Scotland in the 1st century to Mary Queen of Scots and her downfall, David Hume and Adam Smith, Dolly the Sheep in 1997 and the construction of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh in the 21st Century.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published September 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 25, 2024
A History of Scotland from BCE to the present day by Dominic Connolly was quite appealing with many great photos of landscapes, paints, status, and recent pictures of people and buildings! I wish the history part before the present day were more detailed.
I received a digital advance copy from Amber Books via NetGalley and have provided my honest review.
I received a digital advance copy from Amber Books via NetGalley and have provided my honest review.
December 16, 2024
Dominic Connolly’s A History of Scotland offers a sweeping yet accessible narrative of the nation’s past, from its early foundations to contemporary political developments. As an overview, it serves as a strong introduction to Scotland’s complex and often turbulent history, presenting a balanced blend of political, cultural, and social elements. The book is a valuable resource for both history enthusiasts and casual readers, although there are a few areas that could benefit from a bit more depth.
Strengths:
Comprehensive Yet Accessible: One of the standout features of Connolly’s A History of Scotland is its ability to present a wide-ranging account of Scotland’s history without overwhelming the reader. The book is well-structured, beginning with Scotland’s early origins—its Pictish and Celtic roots—before moving through key historical periods such as the Wars of Independence, the Jacobite Rebellions, and Scotland’s union with England. Connolly maintains a clear, concise narrative, offering just enough background and context to engage readers who may not have prior in-depth knowledge of Scottish history. His straightforward writing style ensures that the book remains accessible to a broad audience.
Engaging and Well-Researched Narrative: Connolly does an admirable job of weaving the personal stories of influential figures, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary, Queen of Scots, into the larger historical events of the time. These individual narratives serve to humanize the political and social changes throughout Scottish history, providing the reader with a more vivid understanding of the people who shaped the country’s trajectory. Connolly’s research is evident throughout the book, with references to primary sources and historical scholarship that enhance the depth of the narrative without overwhelming the casual reader.
Balanced Focus on Key Events: The book does a commendable job of covering both well-known and lesser-known aspects of Scottish history. It provides substantial coverage of Scotland’s battles for independence from England, the significant religious tensions during the Reformation, and the cultural shifts brought on by the Scottish Enlightenment. Connolly gives each period its due attention, while also emphasizing the ways in which these events shaped Scotland’s unique identity, culture, and role in the world.
Clear Exploration of Scotland’s Political Struggles: Connolly is particularly strong when discussing the political dynamics of Scotland, including the ongoing tension with England, the eventual Union of the Crowns, and the formation of the United Kingdom. The author carefully examines how these political events have shaped Scotland’s national consciousness and its complex relationship with England over the centuries. This section provides valuable insights into Scotland’s historical desire for independence and the ongoing debates surrounding autonomy and self-governance.
Weaknesses:
Occasional Surface-Level Treatment of Certain Topics: While the book is a fantastic introduction, there are moments when Connolly’s coverage feels somewhat superficial. For instance, the sections on Scotland’s industrial revolution and the rise of the Labour movement in the 20th century are a bit rushed. These topics, which significantly impacted Scotland’s economy and society, could have been explored in greater detail. The Industrial Revolution, in particular, is a pivotal period in Scottish history, and a deeper dive into the socioeconomic changes and their effects on Scottish communities would have been beneficial.
Limited Coverage of Recent Political Developments: Although the book covers Scotland’s political development well into the 20th century, Connolly could have provided more insight into recent political shifts, especially the rise of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the ongoing debates surrounding independence in the 21st century. The book briefly touches on devolution and the 2014 independence referendum, but it does not fully explore the broader political landscape that has emerged since then. Given the significance of these developments in contemporary Scottish politics, a more detailed analysis of the past decade or so would have made the book feel more timely and relevant.
Lack of Varied Perspectives: While Connolly presents a thorough account of Scotland’s history, there are moments where the narrative leans a little too heavily on one perspective, particularly when discussing conflicts like the Jacobite Rebellions. Although the Jacobite cause and its supporters are clearly portrayed as passionate and determined, the narrative could have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of the broader range of opinions on the matter. Including more perspectives, especially those of ordinary Scots or opposing political groups, would have added richness and complexity to the historical picture.
Limited Exploration of Scotland's Cultural History: While the book does touch on key cultural developments, such as the Scottish Enlightenment, the arts, and literature, it does not delve deeply into Scotland’s cultural history. The role of Scotland in shaping global intellectual movements, its contributions to the arts and sciences, and the development of Scottish literature are areas that could have been expanded. While the book is focused on political and social history, a more detailed exploration of Scotland’s cultural impact would have rounded out the narrative.
Conclusion:
Dominic Connolly’s A History of Scotland is an engaging and informative introduction to the country’s rich history. The author’s clear writing, thorough research, and balanced focus on key events make it a great starting point for anyone interested in Scotland’s past. While some areas could have benefited from deeper exploration—particularly in the realms of industrial history, contemporary politics, and cultural development—the book succeeds in providing a coherent narrative that captures the complexities and struggles that have shaped Scotland. It is a strong 4-star read for those seeking a comprehensive yet accessible history of Scotland.
My NetGalley review
Strengths:
Comprehensive Yet Accessible: One of the standout features of Connolly’s A History of Scotland is its ability to present a wide-ranging account of Scotland’s history without overwhelming the reader. The book is well-structured, beginning with Scotland’s early origins—its Pictish and Celtic roots—before moving through key historical periods such as the Wars of Independence, the Jacobite Rebellions, and Scotland’s union with England. Connolly maintains a clear, concise narrative, offering just enough background and context to engage readers who may not have prior in-depth knowledge of Scottish history. His straightforward writing style ensures that the book remains accessible to a broad audience.
Engaging and Well-Researched Narrative: Connolly does an admirable job of weaving the personal stories of influential figures, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary, Queen of Scots, into the larger historical events of the time. These individual narratives serve to humanize the political and social changes throughout Scottish history, providing the reader with a more vivid understanding of the people who shaped the country’s trajectory. Connolly’s research is evident throughout the book, with references to primary sources and historical scholarship that enhance the depth of the narrative without overwhelming the casual reader.
Balanced Focus on Key Events: The book does a commendable job of covering both well-known and lesser-known aspects of Scottish history. It provides substantial coverage of Scotland’s battles for independence from England, the significant religious tensions during the Reformation, and the cultural shifts brought on by the Scottish Enlightenment. Connolly gives each period its due attention, while also emphasizing the ways in which these events shaped Scotland’s unique identity, culture, and role in the world.
Clear Exploration of Scotland’s Political Struggles: Connolly is particularly strong when discussing the political dynamics of Scotland, including the ongoing tension with England, the eventual Union of the Crowns, and the formation of the United Kingdom. The author carefully examines how these political events have shaped Scotland’s national consciousness and its complex relationship with England over the centuries. This section provides valuable insights into Scotland’s historical desire for independence and the ongoing debates surrounding autonomy and self-governance.
Weaknesses:
Occasional Surface-Level Treatment of Certain Topics: While the book is a fantastic introduction, there are moments when Connolly’s coverage feels somewhat superficial. For instance, the sections on Scotland’s industrial revolution and the rise of the Labour movement in the 20th century are a bit rushed. These topics, which significantly impacted Scotland’s economy and society, could have been explored in greater detail. The Industrial Revolution, in particular, is a pivotal period in Scottish history, and a deeper dive into the socioeconomic changes and their effects on Scottish communities would have been beneficial.
Limited Coverage of Recent Political Developments: Although the book covers Scotland’s political development well into the 20th century, Connolly could have provided more insight into recent political shifts, especially the rise of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the ongoing debates surrounding independence in the 21st century. The book briefly touches on devolution and the 2014 independence referendum, but it does not fully explore the broader political landscape that has emerged since then. Given the significance of these developments in contemporary Scottish politics, a more detailed analysis of the past decade or so would have made the book feel more timely and relevant.
Lack of Varied Perspectives: While Connolly presents a thorough account of Scotland’s history, there are moments where the narrative leans a little too heavily on one perspective, particularly when discussing conflicts like the Jacobite Rebellions. Although the Jacobite cause and its supporters are clearly portrayed as passionate and determined, the narrative could have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of the broader range of opinions on the matter. Including more perspectives, especially those of ordinary Scots or opposing political groups, would have added richness and complexity to the historical picture.
Limited Exploration of Scotland's Cultural History: While the book does touch on key cultural developments, such as the Scottish Enlightenment, the arts, and literature, it does not delve deeply into Scotland’s cultural history. The role of Scotland in shaping global intellectual movements, its contributions to the arts and sciences, and the development of Scottish literature are areas that could have been expanded. While the book is focused on political and social history, a more detailed exploration of Scotland’s cultural impact would have rounded out the narrative.
Conclusion:
Dominic Connolly’s A History of Scotland is an engaging and informative introduction to the country’s rich history. The author’s clear writing, thorough research, and balanced focus on key events make it a great starting point for anyone interested in Scotland’s past. While some areas could have benefited from deeper exploration—particularly in the realms of industrial history, contemporary politics, and cultural development—the book succeeds in providing a coherent narrative that captures the complexities and struggles that have shaped Scotland. It is a strong 4-star read for those seeking a comprehensive yet accessible history of Scotland.
My NetGalley review
October 8, 2024
This visually captivating journey through Scotland’s rich and dramatic past explores key moments and influential figures from Roman times to the present day. Enjoyable and informative, the book offers a comprehensive pictorial survey of Scotland’s history, from the ancient stone circles of Orkney to the modern Scottish Parliament.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It is perfect for history buffs and readers worldwide, providing a comprehensive overview of Scotland's history from 3000 BCE-70 CE to the present day. With an impressive collection of over 180 photos and artworks, the book is an excellent resource for both enjoyment and learning.
September 19, 2024
Adored this! Ideal for any history reader and for those living in Scotland :)
We learn the history of Scotland all the way back to 3000 BCE-70 CE to the present day.
Filled with more than 180 photos and artworks, this is a beautiful book to read and learn from.
I need a physical copy!!! :)
We learn the history of Scotland all the way back to 3000 BCE-70 CE to the present day.
Filled with more than 180 photos and artworks, this is a beautiful book to read and learn from.
I need a physical copy!!! :)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews