Scotland: A Very Short Introduction

by Houston, Rab

• ISBN13: 9780199230792
• ISBN10: 019923079X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-01-15
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Scotland's past is too often seen through a film of myths and misconceptions. In this Very Short Introduction, Rab Houston explores the key themes from more than 1,000 years of Scotland's very real and very fascinating history. Covering everything from the Jacobites to devolution to the modern economy, this concise account presents a fully-integrated picture of Scottish society, culture, politics and religion. Houston examines a range of important subjects, including how an independent Scottish nation emerged in the Middle Ages, how it was irrevocably altered by Reformation, how links with England and economic change have affected Scotland, and how Scotland has in turn influenced the development of the modern world. The book shows as well why Scotland's history has made it distinct from England, both before and after Union, and why it has today arrived at a political, social and cultural watershed. Authoritative, lucid, and ranging widely over issues of environment, people, and identity, this is Scotland's story without myths: an ideal introduction for those interested in the Scots, but also a balanced yet refreshing challenge to those who already feel at home in Scotland past and present.

Author Biography

Robert Allan Houston has worked at the University of St. Andrews since 1983 and is Professor of Modern History, specialising in British social history.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Politics and Government

Religion

Education

Society

Economy and Environment

Scotland and the Wider World

Culture

Conclusions

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.