Scotland: A Concise History

by Magnus Linklater, Fitzroy Maclean

A highly readable account that disentangles the complex threads of the history of Scotland from its beginnings to the present.

Bringing the story of Scotland up to date, this revised fifth edition of Fitzroy Maclean’s classic work includes additional chapters by distinguished journalist Magnus Linklater. Linklater examines how the new Scottish parliament has fared and discusses significant events, such as devolution and the transfer of taxation rights from Westminster, the release of the Lockerbie bomber, and the fallout from the 2008 global financial crash. This edition also touches on the independence referendum, the future of the United Kingdom now that the Scottish National Party is in power, and Britain’s impending exit from the European Union.

Written with wit and scholarship, Scotland presents a highly readable account that disentangles the complex history of Scotland from its beginnings to the present. This book offers a rich record of Scotland’s art, politics, intellectual life, and national identity.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2019

Reviews

[Joelle Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There wasn't a large focus on ancient Scotland, nor on culture, family or civilization as a whole. The emphasis was more a broad politico-sociological one, which was what I was searching for when I bought this book. Prominent Scots are noted (e.g. Sir Walter Scott, James Watt), but others, such as Keir Hardie and his influence on forming the Labour party and WWI UK politics, are not even mentioned. (Other than a brief mention of Hardie as a co-founder of the party.) This is the history of Scotland and England: from enemies, to frenemies, to their union, to the stirrings of home rule. It's concise; it's not overly burdened with trivial characters and rabbit trail plots. I would suggest it as an overall read, to familiarize yourself when attempting a more detailed study.

[Tali Gorodetsky]

Is it concise? Yes. Is it particularly well-written? No. Does it cover ancient/pre-medieval history? Barely. But she got the job done

[Nicole Spindler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon my return from a Christian Heritage tour through the English countryside and Scotland, I wanted to return to learning more about Scotland’s complex history. This book offered a thorough explanation of how Scotland both maintained and struggled with its identity and independence.

It offered some great maps, charts, and photos that served as companions to the text. Additionally, it provided great explanations on the kings and queens and their reigns, which is something so fascinating yet most US schools don’t have its’ students study European history.

A solid work of scholarship to untangle Scotland’s past and present.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay for what it purports to do: provide a concise history of Scotland. The writing is not particularly engaging, critical to any history book, with some errors that raise questions about fact-checking and interpretation. I read the e-book version and the formatting of that version, to my great irritation, is quite wonky.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 ⭐️ a great overview of Scottish history. Very politics heavy which is not really my thing but found is very interesting nonetheless