Scotland: An Intimate Portrait [Paperback]

Geddes MacGregor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 1990

Informative and amusing, MacGregor's book recounts the history and origins of golf, kilts, bagpipes, and other distinct parts of Scottish culture. MacGregor captures the essence of Scottish life, religion, dress, literature, and history.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Geddes MacGregor was educated at the University of Edinburgh, Oxford, Parisand Heidelberg. He was Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California and the author of more than 20 books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books (September 19, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395562368
• ISBN-13: 978-0395562369
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,581,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Details other books miss!!!, September 22, 2000

By 

"zebrafinch" (wellington, New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scotland: An Intimate Portrait (Paperback)

This book is descriptive in a way that other books are not. It is in a style that is interestingly informative giving the reader a look into the heart and mind of Scotland and the Scots. It contains a background on the history of the nation, but in a way so as not to send one off to sleep. It gives a context to allow one to develope an understanding of the Scottish psyche. Geddes MacGregor is a Scot who has lived out of Scotland, giving him an advantage of knowing his subject but also knowing what people who have never had the opportunity of going to Scotland want to know. I would have liked to have seen more photos, it only has a few black and white ones, and a new edition would be timely to take into account the new Scottish self government. Despite the dearth of photos it is a worthwhile book, for it's excellent descriptive approach.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can't wait to read it again., May 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Scotland: An Intimate Portrait (Paperback)

This book is an absolute joy to read. It is obviously written by someone who understands and loves his homeland. This is not just a historical book, nor is it just a recitation of facts. It really is an "intimate portrait", and goes a long way toward explaining the feelings and emotions of a proud group of people. No one with an interest in Scotland should miss this book. As soon as I finished reading it I turned to the first page to begin reading it again.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars History, Humor and People, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Scotland: An Intimate Portrait (Paperback)

I found this book to be wonderfully informative and extremely entertaining. I found the history presented in relative terms; not dry and boring as in some books. The humor is uniquely Scots. The information about the Scottish people is hard to find anywhere. The only negative is that as time passes, this book becomes an unfinished work. The recent events of Scottish Nationalism and self-government are sadly missed. However, it is an excellent read for those wanting to know the true nature of Scotland and its people, not just who ruled and when.