From Pictland to Alba, 789-1070 (New Edinburgh History of Scotland) - Hardcover

Woolf, Alex

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0748612335 ISBN 13: 9780748612338

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press, 2007

Synopsis

In the 780s northern Britain was dominated by two great kingdoms; Pictavia, centred in north-eastern Scotland and Northumbria which straddled the modern Anglo-Scottish border. Within a hundred years both of these kingdoms had been thrown into chaos by the onslaught of the Vikings and within two hundred years they had become distant memories. This book charts the transformation of the political landscape of northern Britain between the eighth and the eleventh centuries. Central to this narrative is the mysterious disappearance of the Picts and their language and the sudden rise to prominence of the Gaelic-speaking Scots who would replace them as the rulers of the North. From Pictland to Alba uses fragmentary sources which survive from this darkest period in Scottish history to guide the reader past the pitfalls which beset the unwary traveller in these dangerous times. Important sources are presented in full and their value as evidence is thoroughly explored and evaluated.

About this title

About the Author

Alex Woolf is Lecturer in Early Scottish History at the University of St Andrews

Review

This book deserves to become a recommended text.

(Alasdair Ross H-Albion)

A detailed study of a critical period in Scottish history... Woolf's engaging style makes this a highly readable work... Highly recommended.

(Choice)

A solid work of scholarship, full of critical information presented in a... readable style.

(Scotia 1900-01-00)

Edition details

• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0748612335
• ISBN 13: 9780748612338
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 400