The owner of three tiny islands in the Hebrides contemplates their magical appeal and dramatic history. The economic and social problems of modern Scotland are at the centre of current debate about regional economic growth, social improvement and environmental rehabilitation.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, great strife was inflicted upon the family farmers of the Scottish Lowlands.Other reviews complain about the lack of detail in the book and that is true, considering all that it wants to encompass and the limited writing space. This new approach to Highland history before the Clearances draws attention to little-studied yet important economic and social processes within the Highland clan system and argues that we should consider the problems of traditional Highland society, economy and environment together. Today, many hold misconceptions about the Highlands, viewing them as a land of barbarism and backwards living. He presumes a certain level of knowledge – particularly geographical – from the reader, but I love the broad strokes he applies to history. A skeptical American scientist is sent to Scotland to investigate the existence of the Loch Ness monster.

Oliver's enthusiasm over telling Scotland's history led to creative metaphors and flowery language throughout.

The author explains the disproportionately large influence the Scottish Enlightenment had on the rest of Europe. This firsthand account of 19th century Edinburgh paints a vivid picture of Scotland's capital, and is the perfect read to prepare traveler’s for a first time visit.

Why not discover even history from the comfort of your home with our top five ideas for exploring Scotland's past through virtual history? Christopher Whatley, author of The Scots and the Union“A hugely important book which will astonish and delight everyone engaged in the matter of Scotland. This collection showcases the work of a Scottish icon who wrote in the Scots language, including that New Year's classic "Auld Lang Syne. This splendid portrait of medieval and early modern Scotland through to the Union and its aftermath has no current rival in chronological range, thematic scope and richness of detail. This account of Edinburgh's role in the Scottish Enlightenment details the city's transformation from squalid backwater to marvelous European capital.It suffered from the thing where I would get hazy about which King was which, but that's just down to the scope of the history, not a fault of the author.

Considering the numbers of American whose ancestry hails from the British Isles this books has great significance in understanding not only that makes Scotland the country it is today but what traits our ancestors brought to the fabric of America and other countries they emigrated to. A flagship series for Edinburgh University Press, these classic textbooks are written by authors at the forefront of their discipline and provide an ideal introduction to Scottish history for undergraduates and general readers. Including the devastation of famine, wars fought at sea, and complicated royal figures, Scotland is full of engaging and astounding true tales. From the martyrdom of William Wallace, to the tragedy of Mary Queen of Scots, historical instances of defeat and failure have painted the picture of Scotland as a victim of misfortune.Oliver begins the book by stating "that Scotland's history belongs to every on of us: to all who live there now as well as to any whose family trees stretch a root all the way back to the old country from wherever they find themselves today. The entire world knew about Clyde-built ships, and Scotland was the producer of half of Britain's railway equipment, while Paisley and Dundee saw the cotton and jute industries thrive. Enjoying all the benefits of a larger imperial super-state, it has also sidestepped many of its less appealing associations by invoking the sympathetic pathos of the put-upon smaller nation. This book of essays from established and emerging scholars examines the impact since 1600 of out migration from Scotland on the homeland, the migrants and the destinations in which they .