Description
Book SynopsisOver the last three decades major advances in research and scholarship have transformed understanding of the Scottish past. In this landmark study some of the most eminent writers on the subject, together with emerging new talents, have combined to produce a large-scale volume which reconsiders in fresh and illuminating ways the classic themes of the nation''s history since the sixteenth century as well as a number of new topics which are only now receiving detailed attention. Such major themes as the Reformation, the Union of 1707, the Scottish Enlightenment, clearances, industrialisation, empire, emigration, and the Great War are approached from novel and fascinating perspectives, but so too are such issues as the Scottish environment, myth, family, criminality, the literary tradition, and Scotland''s contemporary history. All chapters contain expert syntheses of current knowledge, but their authors also stand back and reflect critically on the questions which still remain unanswered, the issues which generate dispute and controversy, and sketch out where appropriate the agenda for future research. The Handbook also places the Scottish experience firmly into an international historical perspective with a considerable focus on the age-old emigration of the Scottish people, the impact of successive waves of immigrants to Scotland, and the nation''s key role within the British Empire. The overall result is a vibrant and stimulating review of modern Scottish history: essential reading for students and scholars alike.
Trade Review[The book] is like a banquet, in which every dish is tempting ... This is a book every library and school should purchase * Rosemary Goring, Glasgow Herald *
a splendid choice of contributors * Owen Dudley Edwards, Scottish Affairs *
hugely impressive on a number of levels ... the contributors also provide thoughts and direction to drive future research,making this impressive work a living document and not just a passive account of the past ... a timely,approachable and professional look at Scotland in the modern era. * CHOICE USA *
If you want to know about the latest thinking in Scottish history since 1500,this is where to start...characterised by the most formidable learning * TC Smout, Herald Books of the Year 2012 *
Without doubt,a milestone in pos-1500 Scottish history...absorbing with an impressive breadth of coverage * Journal of Scottish Historical Studies *
Table of ContentsPART ONE: SOME FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERN SCOTTISH HISTORY; PART TWO: REFORMATION, REGAL UNION AND CIVIL WARS 1500 - C.1680; PART THREE: UNION AND ENLIGHTENMENT C.1680 - 1760; PART FOUR: THE NATION TRANSFORMED 1760 - 1914; PART FIVE: THE GREAT WAR TO THE NEW MILLENNIUM 1914 - 2010
