Rating: 
Summary: An Up-To-Date and Comprehensive History of Scotland
Review: "History on the hoof" is how Magnus Magnusson describes his approach to the massive subject of the history of Scotland. This dynamic work encompasses the geology, prehistory, ethnicities, politics and cultural events that are all elements in the answer to the question, "What does it mean to be Scots?"The story begins with a description of how the distinctive terrain of the land evolved. The craggy shoreline, outlying islands and Highland hills were key factors in who came to live in Scotland and what they had to do to defend it, starting with Scotland's first tribes. Mr. Magnusson gives a lively account of the Picts, Scots, Gaels and Britons who skirmished among themselves until they banded together to fight Viking invaders from the north and, later, Roman invaders from the south. Scotland has always seen its share of warfare, largely from England. Independence from England has been a constant struggle for Scotland and recounting its battles introduces a wealth of fascinating characters from William Wallace (whose adventures and sorry ending readers may remember from the film Braveheart) through the unlucky Stewarts. We also meet the real-life MacBeth; his chapter details his ill-starred rise to power and notes the differences between the actual history and the story we all know from Shakespeare's play. However, if there is a literary figure that serves as an illuminating spirit for SCOTLAND: The Story of a Nation, that person must be Sir Walter Scott. One of Scotland's most successful novelists, with twenty-seven historical romances concerning Scotland to his credit, he wrote a history of Scotland and dedicated it to his grandson. Excerpts from TALES OF A GRANDFATHER begin every chapter of SCOTLAND and Mr. Magnusson takes careful note of the events that inspired Sir Walter Scott and how his firm pro-English philosophy colored his works. What Magnus Magnusson and Sir Walter Scott have in common is a sense that storytelling informs history. There are so many vivid legends and people in Scottish history that writing a compendium organizing them all into a swift and logical narrative is no small accomplishment. Also, while the book does not pretend to be a travel guide, it offers useful tips for finding the monuments and landmarks that represent the nation's history. Bring it with you when you travel. SCOTLAND: The Story of a Nation is indispensable for those who simply wish to know more --- and for those who wish to know everything --- about Scotland, its past and present. --- Reviewed by Colleen Quinn
Rating:
Summary: WONDERFUL BOOK ON SCOTLAND.........
Review: BEING FROM A LONG LINE OF SCOTS, I WAS INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE
ABOUT THE COUNTRY OF MY FAMILY. MR. MAGNUSSON HAS DONE A WORDERFUL JOB OF EDUCATING ME ON THE ENTIRE INTERESTING HISTORY OF SCOTLAND. YOU NEED TO ENJOY HISTORY TO GET THE FULL ENJOYMENT FROM THIS BOOK, BECAUSE IT IS FULL OF NAMES, DATES, AND PLACES IMPORTANT TO SCOTLAND'S STORY. IT IS LIKE A TOUR OF
OLD SCOTLAND WITH A GUIDE WHO SEEMS TO KNOW ALL THE BEST PLACES TO SEE AND THE LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE DIFFERENT EVENTS AND
PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH THE MAKING SCOTLAND GREAT. MANY PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW JUST HOW IMPORTANT SCOTLAND WAS AND IS IN THE
HISTORY OF THE WORLD. THIS IS A VERY COLORFUL COUNTRY AND THIS
BOOK ALLOWS YOU TO SEE ALL THE COLOR AND GRANDUR OF IT'S HISTORY
AND IMPORTANCE IN MAN'S QUEST FOR FREEDOM. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL WHO LOVE FREEDOM AND COLORFUL HISTORY.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, but missing the more recent history
Review: For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written very interesting. My only major criticism of this book is in what it left out. The book does a wonderful job relating the history of Scotland up to and including the Jacobite rebellion of 1745-46. Anything since that point is largely ignored. The author was loosely following Sir Walter Scott's example in Tales from a Grandfather which ends at that point in Scottish history. A couple more chapters discussing the Scottish enlightenment and modern Scottish history would have made this book perfect. Nonetheless, I recommend this book highly to anyone interested in an introduction to Scottish history.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but missing the more recent history
Review: For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written very interesting. My only major criticism of this book is in what it left out. The book does a wonderful job relating the history of Scotland up to and including the Jacobite rebellion of 1745-46. Anything since that point is largely ignored. The author was loosely following Sir Walter Scott's example in Tales from a Grandfather which ends at that point in Scottish history. A couple more chapters discussing the Scottish enlightenment and modern Scottish history would have made this book perfect. Nonetheless, I recommend this book highly to anyone interested in an introduction to Scottish history.
Rating:
Summary: A Great History of Scotland minus a few people and events
Review: I am very glad I read this book. It was a very readable and enjoyable history of Scotland. The book was so good, I am tempted to make a return trip to Scotland. This book was that inspiring. I especially enjoyed the chapters on the Romans in Scotland, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. I was a little upset as to the lack of information about the enlightenment in Scotland. But other than that, this was a great book. It was very readable, with new information, and some great quotes. This was a great book, I wished it had more, but none the less, it was a great purchase and time well spent.
Rating:
Summary: A history book for people who hate reading history
Review: I have read many books on the history of scotland, and this is by far one of the best on the main characters who have shaped this nation. It does not cover as many events as other books, but does give a good beginning background into the history of Scotland. The book is written in more of a story telling fashion, and makes it very readable and entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: A history book for people who hate reading history
Review: I have read many books on the history of scotland, and this is by far one of the best on the main characters who have shaped this nation. It does not cover as many events as other books, but does give a good beginning background into the history of Scotland. The book is written in more of a story telling fashion, and makes it very readable and entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: The definitive history of Scotland
Review: Magnus did an excellent job of documenting Scotland's long, rich history. His book is one of the very few to actually make mention of and discuss the "Killing Time," when Charles II died and James VII/II became king (if only briefly). It was the height of the Catholic-Protestant feud that created much tension in Scotland. Very interesting read and a must have reference book on Scotland.
Rating:
Summary: The definitive history of Scotland
Review: Magnus did an excellent job of documenting Scotland's long, rich history. His book is one of the very few to actually make mention of and discuss the "Killing Time," when Charles II died and James VII/II became king (if only briefly). It was the height of the Catholic-Protestant feud that created much tension in Scotland. Very interesting read and a must have reference book on Scotland.
Rating:
Summary: History with a nationalistic bent
Review: Magnusson does a good job at covering several millennia in just 800 pages. Time flies by very quickly, and the 800 pages don't drag by. If anything, the reader is left wanting more. This book is also set somewhat apart from other similar works in that it has just a twinge of nationalism to it. Anyone who would like to see Scotland free and independent again must read this book.
| 
