In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Nation examines the social, political, religious and economic factors that have shaped modern Scotland. Drawing on the latest research, Devine places Scotland firmly within an international context and provides a key focus for the ongoing debate regarding Scotland's future. This new edition brings the reader up-to-date with Scotland's recent history, from the high politics of the devolved parliament to the everyday effects of huge and growing levels of social inequality.

This full length history of Scotland is made up of 25 chapters spanning 18 centuries, from the Picts to the 1980s and is designed for the general reader. A particular feature of the book is the attention it gives to social and cultural history, including life in towns, the changing role of the nobles, and the shifting images of Scottish identity through the ages. The landmarks of Scottish history - the Wars of Independence, the Reformation, the Union of Crowns and the Union of Parliaments, the Jacobite rebellions, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, are all covered. The author is the editor of "The Innes Review", literary editor of the Scottish History Society and has written books on Edinburgh and the Reformation, Mary, Queen of Scots and the Scottish Burghs.

A new cover reprint of the second volume of T. C. Smout’s magnificent – and indispensable – account of the Scottish people, from 1830–1950. ‘Professor Smout’s “History of the Scottish People 1560–1830” was hailed as a classic piece of social history. If you had time to read only one book on Scotland, this was it…Unfortunately, you now have to read two…“A Century of the Scottish People” is as satisfying and enlightening as its predecessor.’ John Kenyon, Observer ‘An admirable example of how academic history may yet be written for the general reader. It is deeply enjoyable, lively, packed with interesting detail, illuminating anecdote and pithy observation.’ Allan Massie, The Times