Caledonia to Pictland: Scotland to 795 (New Edinburgh History of Scotland) [Paperback]

James Fraser (Author)

Book Description

Series: New Edinburgh History of Scotland | Publication Date: March 6, 2009

From Caledonia to Pictland examines the earliest phases of Scottish history at a time when "Scotland" hadn't yet come into existence. It charts the transformation of the Celtic-speaking tribes of Iron Age Caledonia into the multi-lingual Christian kingdoms of Early Medieval northern Britain, peopled by Picts, Britons, Angles and Gaels. Major factors in this process include the direct and indirect influence of the Roman Empire, the profound impact of Christianisation, and the influx of Germanic settlers to the east and of Gaelic settlers to the west. Politically, we see the emergence of dynastic kingship and the earliest origins of state structures; culturally, this was a period of vibrant artistic achievement. The volume concludes with a chapter on sources introducing the wide-range of, often intractable, evidence available to the historian of the period.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Anyone looking for the cutting edge of historical understanding of northern Britain from the earliest times to the Viking Age should look no further. -- I. Ward Amazon There are many qualities in Fraser's work which make it ideal as set text on Scottish history. The author writes with great clarity, even when dealing with complex issues. His work is detailed and the general perception that there is little material to write a history of the Picts is effectively blown apart by his close scrutiny of sources written by neighbouring peoples... This is surely one of the most ground-breaking books on Scottish history of recent times. -- Claire Downham, Univsersity of Aberdeen Journal of Scottish Historical Studies The field of 'Pictish studies' has advanced in Scotland in recent years. The author has been at the forefront of some of these developments and this book is a measure both of his intellectual ability and his tenacity in solving many of the 'Problems of the Picts'. It deserves to become a recommended text. -- Alasdair Ross, University of Stirling Early Medieval Europe A very important contribution to the study of early Scottish history. It is a rigorous piece of scholarship and a treasure trove of new ideas that will excite scholars and general readers alike. -- Fiona Edmonds, Clare College, Cambridge Scottish Historical Review Anyone looking for the cutting edge of historical understanding of northern Britain from the earliest times to the Viking Age should look no further. There are many qualities in Fraser's work which make it ideal as set text on Scottish history. The author writes with great clarity, even when dealing with complex issues. His work is detailed and the general perception that there is little material to write a history of the Picts is effectively blown apart by his close scrutiny of sources written by neighbouring peoples... This is surely one of the most ground-breaking books on Scottish history of recent times. The field of 'Pictish studies' has advanced in Scotland in recent years. The author has been at the forefront of some of these developments and this book is a measure both of his intellectual ability and his tenacity in solving many of the 'Problems of the Picts'. It deserves to become a recommended text. A very important contribution to the study of early Scottish history. It is a rigorous piece of scholarship and a treasure trove of new ideas that will excite scholars and general readers alike.

About the Author

James Fraser is a graduate of the Scottish Studies programme at the University of Guelph having earned his first degree in History at the University of Toronto. His Edinburgh PhD was awarded for his work on the christianisation and early ecclesiastical history of the southern Picts. He is a Lecturer in Early Scottish History and Culture with a joint appointment in Scottish History and Celtic and Scottish Studies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press (March 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0748612327
• ISBN-13: 978-0748612321
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #953,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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