Scotland: A Concise History

“Magnificently illustrated, it is a constant visual delight . . . an admirable introduction to a fascinating subject.” ―The Scotsman

“The Scots,” said a censorious English member of Parliament in 1607, “have not suffered above two kings to die in their beds these two hundred years.” He may have exaggerated, but undeniably Scotland has a rough and bloodstained history. Continuously in print for more than forty years and renowned to this day for the authority and wit with which it disentangles the complex threads of Scotland’s rich history, Fitzroy Maclean’s classic work has been brought up to date with recent events in the path to Scottish independence. Pictures from authentic contemporary sources illuminate the story―its romantic figures, battles, politics, and religion―and provide a rich visual record of Scotland’s art, craftsmanship, and intellectual life. 243 illustrations

Fitzroy Maclean held important posts in the British diplomatic service, armed forces, and government. His books include Highlanders: A History of the Highland Clans.

Magnus Linklater writes regularly for The Scotsman and The Times and was a contributor to The Great Cities in History.