A History of Scotland: Look Behind the Mist and Myth of Scottish History

Author: Oliver, Neil

Edition: Illustrated

Features:

• Phoenix

Format: Illustrated

Number Of Pages: 460

Details:

Scotland's history gets a rewrite by archaeologist and historian Neil Oliver. How accurate are the accounts of Mary Queen of Scots's tragic demise or Bonnie Prince Charlie's forlorn cause? Oliver reveals a Scotland that forged its own identity with success, despite its union with England in 1707. From Booklist Archaeologist Oliver has become a BBC star hosting such history programs as Two Men in a Trench. This volume accompanies his latest series, about his homeland. Scotland is wedded, for better or worse, to England, and it�s often been the latter for Scotland. Periods when Highlanders and Lowlanders stood independent of the English live on, however, in historical memory. It is to such popularly recollected names as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce that Oliver accordingly pegs his narrative, which unrolls from Celtic times to Roman times to Stuart times, which expired with Bonnie Prince Charlie�s defeat in 1745. Like characters in a dramatic play, the historical figures are pithily characterized (Mary Queen of Scots: �dynastic dynamite�) and then sent into action. While populist in style, Oliver�s presentation never caricatures its actors. He imparts impressions of them as real people with passions, convictions, and choices. Including such great Scottish cultural icons as poet Robert Burns, Oliver�s warmhearted yet illusion-free survey of Scottish history piques interest in the auld country. --Gilbert Taylor

Reviews:

Oliver has a great passion for his subject...an entertaining, well balanced and informative read.

― SOUTH WALES ARGUS

A vivid and compellnig picture of a country we may thnk we know, but one that can still surprise.

― GOOD BOOK GUIDE

About the Author:

Neil Oliver is a Scottish archaeologist, historian, broadcaster and writer who has become widely known as the presenter of BBC's flagship series A History of Scotland. Before that, his distinctive style was much in evidence as the charismatic presenter of the award-winning multi-part documentary series Coast and the author of its tie-in book. His archaeological training at Glasgow University was put to good use in BBC2's series Two Men in a Trench where he visited historic British battlefields and attempted to recreate the events of each battle. He co-wrote the two accompanying books. He has also presented the BBC series A History of Ancient Britain, Vikings, The Last Explorers and Sacred Wonders of Britain, as well as Coast Australia. He lives in Stirling with his wife and three children. Find out more at www.neiloliver.com or follow him on Twitter @NEIL_OLIVER_...

EAN: 8601404410222

Release Date: 04-01-2011

Languages: English

Item Note: Great shape- pages are unmarked and sharp.Has a remainder mark. Paperback Used - Like New Ships fast! 2011Illustrated

Item Condition: UsedLikeNew

Binding: Paperback