Author(s): Rosemary Goring

History

A vivid, wide-ranging and engrossing account of Scotland's history, composed of eye-witness accounts by those who experienced it first-hand. Contributors range from Tacitus, Mary Queen of Scots and Oliver Cromwell to Adam Smith, David Livingstone and Billy Connolly. These include key historic moments - ranging from Bannockburn and Flodden to the SNP parliamentary victory in 2007 - along with a vast array of wonderfully readable insights into the everyday life of Scotland through the millennia. This is living, accesible history told by crofters, criminals, servants, house-wives, poets, journalists, nurses, politicians, novelists, prisoners, comedians, sportsmen and many more. Featuring brand new selections from Recent History'An unqualified triumph, superb, a real page-turner . . . what a stirring, dramatic, poignant story it has been.' Alexander McCall Smith, Spectator 'A triumph . . . captivating, timely and useful . . . will reward any amount of flipping and dipping. Rigorous and engaging in its sweep, Goring's meticulously edited anthology is full of moving, amusing and revealing detail. What an exemplary reclaiming of Scotland's past.' Scotland on Sunday'Goring has an ear for a riveting yarn, the emotion of human experience and the power of the voice to present history at its most striking.' Sunday Times'Authoritative yet spellbinding.' Herald 'Fascinating and very valuable. Goring gives us vivid snapshots of Scottish life and history from Neolithic times . . . should find a place in every Scottish home.' Allan Massie, Scotsman 'A shrewd selection of historical sources tied together by a strong narrative thread.' Sunday Herald 'A treasury of a small nation's remarkable over-achievement.' Financial Times