Clans and Chiefs

by Ian Grimble

This account of the clan among the Celtic peoples of Europe describes the origins of the clan system and how it was brought to Scotland. It goes on to discuss the tense relationship between a remote government and a society resistant to change that led to the brutal destruction of a whole social structure. This extraordinary story is told as a whole and through the history of its largest clan groupings-Gordons, Macgregors, Mackenzies, Stewarts, Macdonalds, and Campbells.

267 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2000

About the author

Dr. Ian Grimble (1921 - 1994) was a Scottish historian.

Reviews

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this book is a good source of information on the topic of clans in Scotland, but that it is sometimes too specific to the point of confusion and tedium. Throughout the book there are moments that are very interesting, but they are bridged between by long stretches of confusing and boring content.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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As with any history book, the fact can be a little dry. This Author tried to make it interesting by adding stories and anecdotes where he could, but there were very long sections that were tedious with just "information".

It is a great source of Scottish History and the Illustrations were well done, so I gave this a 4 star rating. I am certain that a History Buff (definitely not me) would find all of this very fascinating.

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just picked this up in a "New-to-Me" shop. Looks like good research material for me.