Scottish Women: A Very Peculiar History™

by Fiona Macdonald

From Mary, Queen of Scots to singer Susan Boyle, Scottish Women: A Very Peculiar History shines a light on the contributions of the country’s most fascinating women.
 
Scottish women have had an influence far beyond their own small homeland. But all too often, information about them has been hard to find, or they have been portrayed in stereotypes. This engaging history aims to set the record straight, revealing the frequently underappreciated contributions of women to Scottish history, industry, and culture. In addition to Mary, Queen of Scots, readers can explore the discoveries of astronomer and mathematician Mary Fairfax Somerville; the inspirational story of pioneering socialist MP Jenny Lee, who founded the Open University; and present-day figures such as Tilda Swinton and Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2019

About the author

Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University and at the University of East Anglia. She has taught in schools, adult education and university, and is the author of numerous books for children on historical topics.

Reviews

[Chy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may have been a small book, but it was filled to the brim not only of Scotland’s history, but of the women who made Scotland what it was and is. I learned so many new things reading this and I learned about some amazing women. Highly recommend this!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very comprehensive look at Scottish women throughout history (including present day) from average people (when they can find them) to royalty, from saints to scientists.

My only real issue with this book (and others this size in the series) it’s 4x6 in and the fonts they use are tiny. They are so hard to read! And one script font used sporadically is almost impossible to read at this size (at least for me).

[Kristina W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining collection of historical mentions. Worthwhile souvenir of my visit in 2019.

[Carrie-Anne]

I like that this book is such a quick and easy read. There's a lot of random and different facts and stories so I would recommend this for children.