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Scotland: The Story of a Nation
 
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Scotland: The Story of a Nation (Paperback)

by Magnus Magnusson (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
RRP: £15.99
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Product details

  • Paperback: 752 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd; New edition edition (5 Nov 2001)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0006531911
  • ISBN-13: 978-0006531913
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 5.2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 22,377 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in this category:

    #11 in  Books > History > Britain & Ireland > Scotland

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Product Description

Product Description

A vivid look at Scotland's long and difficult road to nationhood, re-exploring some cherished myths and unearthing a wealth of fascinating new detail. Magnus Magnusson's starting-point is Sir Walter Scott's classic version of Scotland's history, "Tales of a Grandfather". Since its first appearance in 1827-29, Scott's book has moulded the views of generations of Scottish schoolchildren. It told the story of Scotland from the point of view of a deeply patriotic Tory who believed that the nation's destiny had been fulfilled with the Union of Parliaments in 1707. Magnus Magnusson takes the reader through Scotland's history from the earliest Mesolithic settlers on the island of Rum to the establishment of the new Scottish parliament in 1999. In investigating the many questions raised by the nation's turbulent and often poignant past, he gives full weight to the "people's history" of Scotland - the living treasure of local legends and tradition which he believes has as much resonance as academic analysis. Where did the "Scots" come from? To what extent was Scotland shaped by the Viking raids and settlements? What happened to the Picts? What is the truth about such historical figures as Macbeth and William Wallace? Was Robert Bruce really inspired by a spider in a cave? What was the significance of the tragic reign of Mary Queen of Scots? Who were the Covenanters? What really lay behind the Massacre of Glencoe? What were the long-term effects of the 1707 Treaty of Union with England? What was the impact of Jacobitism, the '45 rising in support of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and its brutal defeat at Culloden?


About the Author

Magnus Magnusson KBE is an Icelandic national who has spent most of his life in Scotland. After studying English at Oxford, he joined the Scottish Daily Express in 1953, and the Scotsman in 1961 as Assistant Editor. Since 1967 he has been a freelance writer and broadcaster, specialising in history, archaeology and environmental affairs. He has presented many programmes on BBC TV, including Chronicle (1967-80), Mastermind (1972-97), and a twelve-part series on Vikings! (1980). He has published more than twenty books. In 1989 he was awarded an honorary knighthood for his services to the heritage of Scotland. He was chairman of the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland (1981-89) and of Scottish Natural Heritage (1992-99).

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Scotland: The Story of a Nation
75% buy the item featured on this page:
Scotland: The Story of a Nation 4.7 out of 5 stars (7)
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Customer Reviews

7 Reviews
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4 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing History to Life, 5 Mar 2002
By K. Garden (Lockerbie, Scotland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
As one who has read little else but novels over the years, I would never have thought of reading a history book from cover to cover but something made me want to find out more about all those bits of Scottish history I knew precious little about...the Covenanters, James VI, and all that.
I have been transfixed since I took up Magnusson's tome. It's a fascinating and thoroughly readable journey through Scotland's history. The savagery, intrigue and instability of the centuries is marvellously recorded here and a measured analysis of each monarch's place in history is provided...
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A nearly complete history of Scotland, 16 Sep 2001
Magnus Magnusson is a noted broadcaster and writes well. He manages to achieve that rare feat among writers of history: that of writing not only a very readable book but one that is written at the correct level for the readers to whom it is directed; namely, he writes a fairly detailed narrative history which can be understood and appreciated by those who know little or no Scottish history, without being patronising or unintelligible. The book does have its faults: there are too few maps and no genealogical tables; with the latter we could understand those Montroses! Although he curiously follows Walter Scott, hardly an objective writer, this is no disadvantage until the end when, after Scott ends his narrative, Dr Magnusson unfortuantely fades away as has been commented on above. This book is well worth the attention of those who would like to know the history of Scotland.
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it, thoroughly researched and detailed, 21 April 2002
By A Customer
I was given this book as a xmas present and read it avidly particularly the era of the wars of independence around 1300. The one thing that surprises me is that scotland was able to remain a nation independent of the english for so long after we suffered defeat and defeat at the hands of the english. back to the book and it is worth buying if you are interested in or ,know nothing about scottish history.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
I am only 100 pages in but am extremely satified with my purchase. I've recently moved to Scotland and wanted to brush up on my history. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Allie Kat

5.0 out of 5 stars Scottish history at it's best.
Thought it might be heavy reading but it is anything but. Well written story of Scottish history. Well worth reading. Read more
Published 21 months ago by K. Patterson

5.0 out of 5 stars The true Story of a Nation
Magnus Magnussons' 'Scotland, Story of a Nation' is wonderfully written and gives a poignant insight into Scottish history. Read more
Published on 18 Nov 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Review of Magnus Magnussons Scotland: the Story of a Nation
I've walked down Dumfries High Street on many occasions and have known for some years now that Robert the Bruce carried out a history shaping if slightly despicable piece of sword... Read more
Published on 15 Aug 2001

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