History of Scotland, The Penguin

A history that is equally entertaining and enlightening, illustrating all of the changes of power and intricacies that are necessary to understand the interrelation between England and Scotland and the Highland and Lowland populations. It shows how Duncan (1034-40) emerged from 'the union of the four peoples' as the first king of a united Scotland and provides detailed, reign-by-reign accounts from then on. Above all Professor Mackie reveals how the Scots long pursued an independent line - in religion, law, culture and foreign policy - that helped them keep at bay the Romans, the French and the English.

Bruce Lenman is Professor of History at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. John Duncan Mackie (1887-1978) taught at St Andrews, Glasgow and London universities before being appointed Historiographer Royal of Scotland in 1958.