The Scots: A Photohistory - Softcover

MacKinnon, Murray; Oram, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0500290784 ISBN 13: 9780500290781

Publisher: Thames & Hudson, 2013

Synopsis

“An informative and engrossing work for anyone interested in the northern isle.” ―Publishers Weekly

In the decades following the invention of photography, Scotland became enamored of the new art. Over the next century, Scottish photographers captured a stunning visual record of their land, its people, and their mixed fortunes, hopes, and aspirations. Their achievements document a century of profound contrasts, of division, and of upheaval and change.

Here are the triumphs of a self-confident Scotland, with the completion of the Forth Bridge and the stream of vessels down the Clyde to bind together a far-flung empire. But there were also injustices: the condition of the rural and urban poor, and the evictions that drove people from the land to seek work in the cities or in the New World.

Gordon Highlanders drinking whiskey in the New Year celebrations; the caves of Staffa and their associations with the mythical Celtic hero, Fingal; the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle; the golfers of Scotscraig; and salmon fishing in the Ness Islands―this book brings the country to life for anyone who has enjoyed the rich character and landscape of this beguiling nation.

236 duotone illustrations

About this title

About the Author

Murray MacKinnon’s long love affair with photography and what it reveals about his native Scotland goes back over forty years to his first purchase of a vintage camera and photo album in a Glasgow auction room.

Richard Oram’s publications include Scotland’s Kings and Queens.

From Publishers Weekly

MacKinnon and Oram's collection of photographs taken in the camera's early years is at once a history of a place, a people and an era. The 1839 invention of photography piqued many Scots' interest, and they set to work documenting their country and its inhabitants. Scotland native MacKinnon and History Scotland managing editor Oram present readers with 236 images, most of which were taken in the late 19th century. The sepia-toned and black-and-white images depict, among other things, coastal and rural life, Edinburgh street scenes, factory working conditions, and leisure activities, such as rugby and beachgoing. The variety of photographs-portraits, landscapes and candid shots of Scots going about their everyday lives-paired with the enlightening captions, which often explain the photographs' circumstances or significance, make this an informative and engrossing work for anyone interested in the northern isle.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0500290784
• ISBN 13: 9780500290781
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224