Scotland's Forgotten Past: A History of the Mislaid, Misplaced and Misunderstood
A charming, lively and often amusing tour of thirty-six 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 colorful history of Scotland from award-winning writer Alistair Moffat chooses episodes, 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.

Moffat takes us from the geological formation of the land that makes up Scotland to the first evidence of human habitation and then up to modern times. In the process our discoveries include: 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; the many US presidents with Scottish heritage, and other fascinating tales brought to life by Joe McLaren's attractive woodcut-style illustrations. Even the most knowledgeable history buff will experience a sense of newfound knowledge and appreciation for this unique country, its history, and its people.

1141748412
Scotland's Forgotten Past: A History of the Mislaid, Misplaced and Misunderstood
A charming, lively and often amusing tour of thirty-six 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 colorful history of Scotland from award-winning writer Alistair Moffat chooses episodes, 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.

Moffat takes us from the geological formation of the land that makes up Scotland to the first evidence of human habitation and then up to modern times. In the process our discoveries include: 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; the many US presidents with Scottish heritage, and other fascinating tales brought to life by Joe McLaren's attractive woodcut-style illustrations. Even the most knowledgeable history buff will experience a sense of newfound knowledge and appreciation for this unique country, its history, and its people.

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

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

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

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

by Alistair Moffat

Paperback

$16.95 
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Overview

A charming, lively and often amusing tour of thirty-six 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 colorful history of Scotland from award-winning writer Alistair Moffat chooses episodes, 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.

Moffat takes us from the geological formation of the land that makes up Scotland to the first evidence of human habitation and then up to modern times. In the process our discoveries include: 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; the many US presidents with Scottish heritage, and other fascinating tales brought to life by Joe McLaren's attractive woodcut-style illustrations. Even the most knowledgeable history buff will experience a sense of newfound knowledge and appreciation for this unique country, its history, and its people.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780500297803
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Publication date: 07/08/2025
Pages: 224
Product dimensions: 5.00(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Alistair Moffat was born in Kelso, Scotland. He is an award-winning writer and historian, 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 cochairman of the Great Tapestry of Scotland. His many books include The Highland Clans, Before Scotland, and Scotland's Forgotten Past.
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