A History Of Scotland

by Oliver, Neil

• ISBN13: 9780753826638
• ISBN10: 0753826631
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-01-04
• Publisher: Phoenix

Summary

Scotland's history has been badly served over the years. Defined by its relationship to England, Scotland's popular history is full of near-mythical figures and tragic events, her past littered with defeat, failure and thwarted ambition. The martyrdom of William Wallace, the tragedy of Mary Queen of Scots and the forlorn cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie all give the impression of 'poor' Scotland; a victim of misfortune, leading to the country's inevitable submission to the Auld Enemy. After the Union in 1707, Scotland's increasing reliance on England culminated in a crisis of confidence and identity that tortures the country to this day. But how accurate is this version of events? Using the very latest in historical research and by placing Scotland's story in the wider context of British, European and global history, some of the myths that pervade the past will be exploded to reveal a Scotland which forged its own destiny, often with success.

Author Biography

Neil Oliver is a Scottish archaeologist, historian, broadcaster and writer who has become widely known as the presenter of BBC's flagship series A History of Scotland.

Before that, his distinctive style was much in evidence as the charismatic presenter of the award-winning multi-part documentary series Coast and the author of its tie-in book.

His archaeological training at Glasgow University was put to good use in BBC2's series Two Men in a Trench where he visited historic British battlefields and attempted to recreate the events of each battle. He co-wrote the two accompanying books. He has also presented the BBC series A History of Ancient Britain, Vikings, The Last Explorers and Sacred Wonders of Britain, as well as Coast Australia. He lives in Stirling with his wife and three children.

Find out more at www.neiloliver.com or follow him on Twitter @NEIL_OLIVER_

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	p. ix
Acknowledgements	p. xiii
Introduction	p. xv
Map	p. xx
From the Basement of Time	p. 1
The Last of the Free	p. 38
The Hammers of the Scots	p. 80
Bishop Makes King	p. 119
Language is Power	p. 164
Project Britain	p. 205
King Jesus	p. 247
Jacobites	p. 288
Money!	p. 323
Wha's Like Us? - The Question of Identity	p. 357
Homeward Bound	p. 395
Further Reading	p. 435
Index	p. 441
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