Scotland the Brief: a Short History of a Nation - Softcover

Scotland's history is a subject of endless fascination. But where to start? The Romans or the Picts? The influence of the English from Norman times? The Auld Alliance with the French and the Scottish Enlightenment? Chris Harvie gives a brief outline for the beginner which includes all of these themes and more. The role of the Kirk, the affairs of kings and queens and would-be monarchs are covered. Then Scotland's efforts to expand her economy through the Darien Scheme which led to Union with England . . . . . . and onto the age of Empire and industry when Scotland and Scots engineers led the world. Scotland the Brief covers the modern era, the age of North Sea oil and the continuing resonance of the Thatcher era and the reconvening in 1999 of the Scottish Parliament after 300 years. Illustrated by Scoular Anderson, the book is easily accessible and contains numerous facts and factlets in header panels. A very user-friendly introduction.

Christopher Harvie, born Motherwell 1944, taught history from the start of the Open University, founded British regional studies at Tübingen University in Germany and has served as an MSP in the Holyrood Parliament.