Scotland's Forgotten Past: A History of the Mislaid, Misplaced and Misunderstood

(Hardback)

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Description

A charming, lively and often amusing tour of 36 forgotten episodes and overlooked people and places of Scottish history. While Scotland's history cannot be separated from its kings and queens, saints and warriors, there is a rich story to tell about the country's lesser-known places, people and events. This colourful history of Scotland tells those other tales, half-forgotten or misunderstood, that have been submerged by the wash of history. Bringing these stories to light and to life, this entertaining book reveals the richness and complexity of this nation on the northwest edge of Europe. Alistair Moffat guides us from the geological formation of the land that makes up Scotland to the first evidence of human habitation right up to modern times. In the process, we learn about the cave of headless children, the origins of the Scottish kings and the real heroes of Scottish independence, the invention of tartan and the romance of the Highlands, Scotland's answer to Shakespeare, and the many U.S. Presidents with Scottish heritage, among many other fascinating tales brought to life by Joe McLaren's attractive woodcut-style illustrations. Even the most knowledgeable Scot will experience a sense of newfound knowledge and appreciation for this unique country, its history and people.

Reviews

'Illuminating 36 neglected or misunderstood episodes in Scotlands history, this book deserves a place on the school curriculum' - Alan Massie, The Scotsman
'It would be good to put this little book on the school curriculum' - The Scotsman
'Engaging beautifully written believe-it-or-not episodes from Scottish history' - The Wee Review
'Moffats journey into Scotlands lesser-known stories is a window into things we thought we knew but probably didnt!' - People's Friend
'A charming, lively and often amusing tour' - Border Telegraph
'Subtle and engaging' - The Field

Author Bio

Alistair Moffat was born in Kelso, Scotland. He is an award-winning writer and historian, and was Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is former Rector of the University of St Andrews. He is founder of Borders Book Festival and Co-Chairman of The Great Tapestry of Scotland. His many books include The Highland Clans (also published by Thames & Hudson), To the Island of Tides: A Journey to Lindisfarne and The Hidden Ways: A History of Scotland's Forgotten Roads.