Scotland Re-formed, 1488 – 1587

New Edinburgh History of Scotland #6

by Jane E.A. Dawson

From the death of James III to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, Jane Dawson tells story of Scotland from the perspective of its regions and of individual Scots, as well as incorporating the view from the royal court. Scotland Re-formed shows how the country was re-formed as the relationship between church and crown changed, with these two institutions converging, merging and diverging, thereby permanently altering the nature of Scottish governance.

Society was also transformed, especially by the feuars, new landholders who became the backbone of rural Scotland. The Reformation Crisis of 1559-60 brought the establishment of a Protestant Kirk, an institution influencing the lives of Scots for many centuries, and a diplomatic revolution that discarded the 'auld alliance' and locked Scotland's future into the British Isles. Although the disappearance of the pre-Reformation church left a patronage deficit with disastrous effects for Scottish music and art, new forms of cultural expression arose.

Genres: History, Scotland, Nonfiction, Renaissance

382 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2006

About the author

Also writes as
Jane Dawson

Interested in the four countries within the British Isles, Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales, and in the Reformation throughout Europe.

Reviews

[Steven Shook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane A. E. Dawson's Scotland Re-formed covers the period James III to James VI. Though the book covers only one hundred years of Scottish history, these years arguably had the most dramatic impact on the social, political, religious, and economic elements of Scotland. Dawson's ability to succinctly weave so much history into only 349 pages is incredible. While a massive amount of history-related literature exists concerning the events of these hundred years, Dawson is able to hit the high points of the events and couple them together to understand the context of change taking place in Scotland.

[Keir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very much focussed on high politics with only a little colour of everyday life. Fails to really explain why the reformation happened. It was interesting to learn however just how close Scotland and France were at one point, with a dynastic union on the cards.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative.

[M.J. Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never before have I been assigned a course textbook, that when I picked it up, I couldn't put it down again.

This book looks at the Reformation in scotland over a century through the reigns of four monarchs. It is from a governance--regal and ecclesial--perspective. It also shows the tensions that exist in the borders, the lowlands and the highlands. It follows the long path to both political and religious reformation, in some detail.

It would have benefitted from greater detail on the life of the ordinary people, although that is often hard to ascertain. There is also very little about the Gaels however, there is honesty about the king deciding that the customs of the lowlands would give all the Scottish people the culture that would define their national unity--whether united or not.

There is supposed to be another book to follow this one and it is needed. This is a story that is not ended.

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on this period that I have read. While remaining readable and accessible to a general audience, Dawson provides a detailed overview of a significant and complex century of Scottish history. Moreover, she remains focused on Scotland, only touching on the corresponding English and French situations when necessary. While politics and religion dominate this history, Dawson also provides short entries on items such as literature, diet, marriage, portraiture, and more that give this history a depth other lack. Excellent reading!