Auld Enemies: The Scots and the English (Birlinn Historical Guides) [Paperback]

David Ross (Author), James Hutcheson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Birlinn Historical Guides | Publication Date: May 2003

For almost 1000 years, Scotland and England have been neighbour nations. For more than half that time, they were foreign countries to each other, often at war. In the 1700s, they joined in a United Kingdom and the new concept of "Britishness" arose. But this covered over, rather than combined, the long-established identities. For most purposes Scots remained Scots and English remained English, and the old sense of rivalry did not go away. It still remains. In olden times, a war of words and propaganda accompanied the fighting. As the countries got to know each other better, and the fighting died down, the verbal exchanges continued, and became sharper and funnier. This work provides a record of the long contest of verbal warfare across the Border over the centuries. More than a collection of jokes, insults and critical observations, however, it shows how humour in its own way can join as well as divide, providing a handbook that can be enjoyed whichever side you are on.

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About the Author

David Ross is the author of numerous books on Scottish history and culture, including Scottish Quotations and From Scenes Like These: Scottish Anecdotes and Episode, both published by Birlinn. Originally from Dingwall, he was educated at St Andrews and currently lives near Hereford.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Birlinn Ltd (May 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841582433
• ISBN-13: 978-1841582436
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,488,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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