In Search of Ancient Scotland, A Guide for The Independent Traveler (Paperback)

~ (Author), Dorothy A. Ruzicki (Author) "You're not going back to Scotland again, are you?..." (more)
Key Phrases: linear cemetery, kitchen tower, long cairn, Historic Scotland, Iron Age, Robert the Bruce (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In Search of Ancient Scotland" is that best kind of guidebook, one that will lead its readers into fascinating explorations of sites they might never find on their own. It is full of common-sense evaluations, advice, and remarkably precise directions about where to find Scotland's ancient monuments, especially its prehistoric stones, brochs and castles. Written with clarity and intelligence, this would be an essential book to tuck into one's suitcase on a voyage of discovery around almost any part of Scotland. -- Susan Allen Toth, author of "My Love Affair With England: A

Some of the most interesting tourist destinations in Scotland are the remnants of ancient places. As a visitor to Scotland, you want to have clear directions to the sites, and a ready source of background information to make the visit relevant to you. You want to know the legends, the history, the little details that make those places speak to you. Buy this book. Its clear language, color photographs, and historical timeline are all very helpful. A nice touch is the American point-of-view . . . -- U.S. SCOTS, February, 2000

Product Description

Walk the moors with Scotland's prehistoric people, climb its crumbling castle walls, stand on its battlefields alongside its great heroes, feel the presence of its ghosts held tight in images spun by ancient Celts.

This book transports armchair travelers or active explorers of all ages back in time to a Scotland most visitors never see. In this friendly, lively book, the authors guide readers to more than 200 ancient monuments to uncover unsual features, legends and history.

A descriptive timeline differentiates various eras from the Stone Age to the Renaissance. An index of sites facilitates finding them quickly. A glossary defines common historical, archaeological and Scottish terminology, and references suggest further reading. Sixteen color pages and numerous B&W photos supplement the text.

Written by North Americans from their own experiences, In Search of Ancient Scotland addresses independent travelers' questions and fears--driving on the left, roundabouts and one-lane roads, trespass and courtesy, language differences and money matters. Using a star system, they recommend their favorite places and provide clear directions.

Accompany these authors on their personal quest for Scotland's antiquity as they reveal their tips for planning and share their insights and adventures.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Aspen Grove Publishing (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966449606
• ISBN-13: 978-0966449600
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #880,698 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and authoritatively informative., March 4, 2000

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

In Search Of Ancient Scotland guides the independent traveler through Scotland's countryside to more than 200 ancient sites ranging from the Stone Age to the Renaissance. Jerry and Dodie Ruzicki have traveled extensively in Scotland seeking out ancient monuments that would best represent the diversity and volume of Scotland's prehistoric and antiquarian treasures. In Search Of Ancient Scotland these two intrepid travelers share Scotland's past in a lively, engaging, friendly narrative enhanced with numerous b/w and color photos conveying the majesty of the monuments and the magic of the landscape. Also addressed for the reader is a compendium of practical information such as driving on the left, managing roundabouts and one-lane roads, rights of trespass and courtesy, language and money differences, and more. A descriptive timeline helps the reader to distinguish various eras; an index of sites facilitates finding them quickly; a glossary defines common historical, archaeological and Scottish terms; and references are suggested for further reading and study. Whether armchair traveler or on-site vacationer, In Search Of Ancient Scotland will prove as engaging as it is authoritatively informative.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for your trip!, April 28, 2001

By A Customer

I was so glad to have this useful book during my trip to Scotland! It has excellent descriptions, explanations, history, and stories for ancient monuments, most of which aren't covered in normal guide books. Without this book, I would have missed so many interesting places - never knowing there was a cairn right next to the road or megaliths in the next farmer's field! Plus, there are planning maps and excellent driving instructions, which you'll NEED for some hard-to-find sites!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars History your thing? You'll love it, May 11, 2000

By	bigworld.com (Lancaster PA) - See all my reviews

History-hunters will revel in this unique self-published book on the sites and people of ancient Scotland. History comes alive through this fascinating book, which rates and describes hundreds of Scottish historical sites from the Stone Age through to the Renaissance. If castles, cairns, and cathedrals are on your things to see list in Scotland, search out this book.