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Scotland: History of a Nation
Book by Ross, David
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
27 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
David Ross
51 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
David Sutherland Ross is a fully fledged member of that well-established species, the Scottish literary exile. Born in Oban, Argyll, he was removed at an early age to his ancestral county of Ross and Cromarty, where he grew up and went to school. Furnished with a little knowledge about all sorts of things thanks to a Scottish education, he migrated to London expecting to become a journalist, but became a publisher instead.
Having learned from blurb-writing how to represent a tangle of ill-assorted elements and random events as a unified whole, he realised he was eminently qualified to write the history of Scotland, and produced Scotland: History of a Nation. Nowadays, as chairman of a small Scottish-based publishing company, he combines publishing with writing and the compilation of anthologies, including Awa’ and Bile Yer Heid, a collection of Scottish insults and invective. Although he enjoys it all immensely, sometimes he wonders whether it isn’t too late to try something completely different, like utilising his ability to do water-divining; or perhaps opening a beach restaurant in Bali.
His favourite place in Scotland is the summit of Ben Venue; his favourite Scottish food, new-baked scones with raspberry jam; his favourite Scottish book, The Scottish National Dictionary, and his favourite Scottish phrase, “Just a sensation.”
David Sutherland Ross is a fully fledged member of that well-established species, the Scottish literary exile. Born in Oban, Argyll, he was removed at an early age to his ancestral county of Ross and Cromarty, where he grew up and went to school. Furnished with a little knowledge about all sorts of things thanks to a Scottish education, he migrated to London expecting to become a journalist, but became a publisher instead.
Having learned from blurb-writing how to represent a tangle of ill-assorted elements and random events as a unified whole, he realised he was eminently qualified to write the history of Scotland, and produced Scotland: History of a Nation. Nowadays, as chairman of a small Scottish-based publishing company, he combines publishing with writing and the compilation of anthologies, including Awa’ and Bile Yer Heid, a collection of Scottish insults and invective. Although he enjoys it all immensely, sometimes he wonders whether it isn’t too late to try something completely different, like utilising his ability to do water-divining; or perhaps opening a beach restaurant in Bali.
His favourite place in Scotland is the summit of Ben Venue; his favourite Scottish food, new-baked scones with raspberry jam; his favourite Scottish book, The Scottish National Dictionary, and his favourite Scottish phrase, “Just a sensation.”
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 27, 2022
It can be felt that the writer has slightly left-leaning political and pro-independist views however he still provided a quite neutral round up of scottish history which I liked. I expected much more bias towards the scottish independence cause maybe because of the title. The middle age era of scottish and english kings was described very well however I think the author didn’t write much about the gaelic revival of the 19th century and the introduction of gaelic language in schools so I will give only four stars instead five.
September 16, 2018
Some midly entertaining snippets of history, but the whole text is confused. This book badly needs a editor. The good bits are lost in among the random mutterings! A shame!
September 22, 2019
Absolutely marvelous! This is exactly what I was expecting from a history book and at the same time so much more. Firstly, it contains all the information one might expect, i.e. the dates of important fights and the beginnings and ends of the reigns of monarchs. It presents this information clearly and concisely. However, this is not just a list of dates and events (this is also included in the last ~ 150 pages of the book), but links the information together into a logically consistent, coherent whole.
Furthermore it achieves something none of my Highschool history books managed to do: it provides information on social aspects, such as the rule of law, the church, culture and later politics and industrial relations. And this information is interwoven with the more traditional description of events with potential links and influences highlighted.
Thirdly, it is by no means dry. On the contrary, I found it a very easy and pleasant read (which is why I switched in the middle of wolf hall). This is not just because the author is a pretty good writer but because his ‘voice’ is very present. On the one hand, he tears all the historical figures a new one. None of the ‘protagonists’, i.e. the nobles and the clergy are spared a careful examination of motives as well as talent and achievements and most of them are found wanting, if with the benefit of hindsight. I had the sense that the author absolutely relished tearing down these near-mythical figures and you could feel the enjoyment seeping through the writing. This strongly influenced my own enjoyment and in most instances I fully agreed with the scathing critiques. In the same vein, cultural developments are also described from the starting point of modern sensibilities. And the negative consequences of certain cultural shifts (such as the religious ones) are portrayed as such. Not in judgment, I should note. It is always clear to the reader that the author does not take these events out of their historical context, but at the same time he sees no reason not to mention atrocities as such just because they were to be expected for the time period. This is something I also agree with.
Obviously this was just the book for me and I tremendously enjoyed it! If only all history books would be this informative and also this much fun!
Furthermore it achieves something none of my Highschool history books managed to do: it provides information on social aspects, such as the rule of law, the church, culture and later politics and industrial relations. And this information is interwoven with the more traditional description of events with potential links and influences highlighted.
Thirdly, it is by no means dry. On the contrary, I found it a very easy and pleasant read (which is why I switched in the middle of wolf hall). This is not just because the author is a pretty good writer but because his ‘voice’ is very present. On the one hand, he tears all the historical figures a new one. None of the ‘protagonists’, i.e. the nobles and the clergy are spared a careful examination of motives as well as talent and achievements and most of them are found wanting, if with the benefit of hindsight. I had the sense that the author absolutely relished tearing down these near-mythical figures and you could feel the enjoyment seeping through the writing. This strongly influenced my own enjoyment and in most instances I fully agreed with the scathing critiques. In the same vein, cultural developments are also described from the starting point of modern sensibilities. And the negative consequences of certain cultural shifts (such as the religious ones) are portrayed as such. Not in judgment, I should note. It is always clear to the reader that the author does not take these events out of their historical context, but at the same time he sees no reason not to mention atrocities as such just because they were to be expected for the time period. This is something I also agree with.
Obviously this was just the book for me and I tremendously enjoyed it! If only all history books would be this informative and also this much fun!
May 11, 2018
Ein guter Überblick über die Geschichte Schottlands, zwischendurch leider etwas verworren
May 1, 2021
On my second trip to Scotland I developed a desire to learn more about this country. Having first read “How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It” by Arthur Herman after my first Scottish visit, I wanted a more comprehensive history that preceded the late 17th century. I saw this book at the visitor center in culloden, but bought it once home
My review is based on my experience being an American to whom Scotland was not well known. To me, Scotland was Sir Walter Scott, golf at St Andrews, plaid (tartan), and bagpipes. I found that the first chapter, which is the most modern, hard to understand without some significant background. It was far better for me as an epilogue. This is a recurring theme: the book is clearly not an introduction to Scotland but a treatise for those who already know much of it. The target audience is the British, and the rest of us must muddle through.
The early Stone Age portion of the book was interesting but sometimes hard to get through. The early and late Middle Ages becomes more exciting. Learning about Iona and Columba, and the later most peaceful time of Scotland is where the book picks up. I thought the author did a good job of covering the invasion of the English (really normans), casting William Wallace and Robert the Bruce as neither demigod nor villain.
The depiction of the complex political machinations was also well done, although Mary Queen of Scots was poorly depicted. The highlands were largely dismissed as “primitive rabble” reminding me of Saruman’s sarcastic rant to king Theoden about the men of Rohan in Lord of the rings. Rather, the highlands are largely ignored as insignificant
As the book progressed, I became bothered by the authors biases. He is obviously pro-labour anti-conservative, and apparently despises Margaret Thatcher. What really bothers me was the clear anti religious bias, particularly towards the Church of Scotland. Religion is obviously much more important to Scottish history than he depicts, and I guess I will need another source to understand its role in Scottish history. Per his coverage, the Covenanters were just a bunch of student protesters. [I say this because I have relatives at New College in Edinburgh so I know what he said is woefully inadequate]
I also hoped to better understand both the drive to leave the UK and the resistance to Brexit: again I will need to read something else
It was a little frustrating to have the time bounce around. Why talk about WWII and then go back to the depression? Why talk about the 1880s then go back to 1840s?
So I’m glad to have read the book, but don’t feel it is very helpful for someone who didn’t grow up in Scotland unless they do a lot of additional reading This makes it a poor option as the only book on Scottish history. But if you don’t mind truly digging into multiple references, it is a part of a complete historical breakfast, to borrow a line from a cereal commercial
My review is based on my experience being an American to whom Scotland was not well known. To me, Scotland was Sir Walter Scott, golf at St Andrews, plaid (tartan), and bagpipes. I found that the first chapter, which is the most modern, hard to understand without some significant background. It was far better for me as an epilogue. This is a recurring theme: the book is clearly not an introduction to Scotland but a treatise for those who already know much of it. The target audience is the British, and the rest of us must muddle through.
The early Stone Age portion of the book was interesting but sometimes hard to get through. The early and late Middle Ages becomes more exciting. Learning about Iona and Columba, and the later most peaceful time of Scotland is where the book picks up. I thought the author did a good job of covering the invasion of the English (really normans), casting William Wallace and Robert the Bruce as neither demigod nor villain.
The depiction of the complex political machinations was also well done, although Mary Queen of Scots was poorly depicted. The highlands were largely dismissed as “primitive rabble” reminding me of Saruman’s sarcastic rant to king Theoden about the men of Rohan in Lord of the rings. Rather, the highlands are largely ignored as insignificant
As the book progressed, I became bothered by the authors biases. He is obviously pro-labour anti-conservative, and apparently despises Margaret Thatcher. What really bothers me was the clear anti religious bias, particularly towards the Church of Scotland. Religion is obviously much more important to Scottish history than he depicts, and I guess I will need another source to understand its role in Scottish history. Per his coverage, the Covenanters were just a bunch of student protesters. [I say this because I have relatives at New College in Edinburgh so I know what he said is woefully inadequate]
I also hoped to better understand both the drive to leave the UK and the resistance to Brexit: again I will need to read something else
It was a little frustrating to have the time bounce around. Why talk about WWII and then go back to the depression? Why talk about the 1880s then go back to 1840s?
So I’m glad to have read the book, but don’t feel it is very helpful for someone who didn’t grow up in Scotland unless they do a lot of additional reading This makes it a poor option as the only book on Scottish history. But if you don’t mind truly digging into multiple references, it is a part of a complete historical breakfast, to borrow a line from a cereal commercial
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2009
Good introductory history, with the 'fact windows' of particular interest. However, the overall quality of the book is diminished by too many factual errors and poor editing. For example, Ross refers to King John Balliol's reign beginning in 1292 after "ten kingless years" (p. 78) when it had been only six years since King Alexander III had died, though this was probably confused with the ten kingless years after Balliol was deposed in 1296. There are other mistakes like this, in addition to sentence fragments, that better editing would have corrected.
September 25, 2022
Interesting to read more about the history of Scotland and it provides a good overview. The style of writing however, does not encourage you to keep reading. As it tries to write about everything, it sometimes misses a bit of depth that you would want for a few of the topics.
June 16, 2025
This book, a history of Scotland from roughly the Romans in early AD to the early 20th century, contains exactly zero maps - which is odd as it is written in broad strokes and appears to be aimed at readers with cursory knowledge of the auld country. That said, there are enough details silted throughout to interest the casual reader - like the entomology of the word ‘tweed.’
The book also focuses a lot (a lot!) on medieval Scotland, giving relatively short shrift to the incredible contributions made by Scots since the mid-1750s. I blame Braveheart.
The book also focuses a lot (a lot!) on medieval Scotland, giving relatively short shrift to the incredible contributions made by Scots since the mid-1750s. I blame Braveheart.
October 13, 2024
Found in every touristy place across Scotland.
A fun read but as many others have stated, it is very clear to see the biases the author holds and makes no attempt to hide it.
The issue is if anyone tries to use this book in an academic setting. There are lots of claims being made throughout this book without any substance and at points is borderline just up for interpretation.
Overall, fun, but take a lot of the statements the author makes with a grain of salt.
A fun read but as many others have stated, it is very clear to see the biases the author holds and makes no attempt to hide it.
The issue is if anyone tries to use this book in an academic setting. There are lots of claims being made throughout this book without any substance and at points is borderline just up for interpretation.
Overall, fun, but take a lot of the statements the author makes with a grain of salt.
February 23, 2014
An interesting read, essentially a history textbook, dense with facts, dates & important figures in the tumultuous history of Scotland from the earliest settlers to the present day.
Throughout its history, the land and people were beset with poverty, war, oppression / meddling from outside forces and a national identity crisis. Quite often, I was surprised by how many times I read "the Scottish Calvary was routed" or defeated. There may have been a lot of fighting, but a disproportionate lack of winning.
Other than the 19th century (and beyond, to an extent), there wasn't a lot of invention / cultural developments of note. That's kind of saddening..
Throughout its history, the land and people were beset with poverty, war, oppression / meddling from outside forces and a national identity crisis. Quite often, I was surprised by how many times I read "the Scottish Calvary was routed" or defeated. There may have been a lot of fighting, but a disproportionate lack of winning.
Other than the 19th century (and beyond, to an extent), there wasn't a lot of invention / cultural developments of note. That's kind of saddening..
July 23, 2010
Gives a good base!
December 15, 2014
Pretty bland rendering of Scotland's history. You will learn some things but it gets rather boring in the middle. I've tried reading it twice and I can never fully get through it
March 27, 2009
A readable and,at least to me, basic templaye to fit things into.
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July 27, 2018I read this book as background to a book I was writing. The information was extremely helpful and helped me to broaden the readers' experience of a fictional story with a solid background. Although I have finished the book that I was writing, this is definitely one for my bookcase for research in the future.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews