Customer Reviews

The story of Scotland

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3 star:		(1)
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I suffered through history classes. There were so many dates, names, places, and events, that I just memorized the basic facts and moved on. Now that I am planning extensive travels in Scotland, I have the desire to learn Scottish history. But I never thought that I would enjoy reading about it so much!

Tranter admits that he is not a historian, and that he could never cover all of Scottish history in 200 pages. What he does, however, is make the reader interested, inquisitive, and thoughtful about the events that have molded Scotland. This story reads like a novel, so it surprises me the great overview and understanding it has given me of Scotland's long history. It also surprises me that I read several chapters in one night, and absorbed a great deal of information. I found myself discussing the issues and reasons behind events with my husband, remembering many kings and dates and personal details of the players involved.

If you want a place to start in understanding Scottish history, you've found it. This account covers the ancient Picts through modern times, all in a personal and interesting way. Once you read this book, you will find yourself doing more research and searching for more detailed accounts. I plan on reading this book again while in Scotland, pondering the fascinating history of the places we visit.

...Non-Scots Alike.

As a Scot, I have met many, many fellow-Scots who, having endured the careful tutelage of the "British" (English) curricula - mostly without realising the existence of the omissions, biases, and distortions inherent therein - are blissfully (ignorantly) unaware of many of the facts related in this book. Here are but a few:

- John Knox was a paid-agent of Henry Tudor (VIII), and actually sold information to the English allowing the burning of Leithside by the English fleet in 1544.

- Robert Burns was a Campbell, and 'Burns' is a pseudonym adopted by the family to hide a rather more-or-less typical Campbell injustice.

- England owes Scotland back-taxes on the entire Tynedale region dating back to the days of Robert The Lion; the legal charter for which has never been revoked. These taxes would come to several trillions of pounds as of today, if the law were enforced...

- The Stone Of Scone presently on display in Edinburgh Castle, having been stolen by Edward Longshanks and used for the coronation of English monarchs for some 700 years (including the present Queen Elizabeth), is most likely a cess-cover (sewer-cover) substituted by the monks of Scone Abbey as a great prank on the Sassenachs.

And so on.

If you want to know Truths about Scotland which were certainly _NOT_ taught in pre-devolution Scottish schools (things may be different now; I can only hope), this book is chock full of such choice nuggets. It is also a very fine read, as Tranter brings History to life, with wry humour and compassionate grace.

I cannot emphasise enough the value of this book to anyone interested in the TRUE story of Scotland, and not the politically-filtered propaganda foisted upon so many generations of Scots in Scottish schools under the "guidance" of the Scottish Office.

I am a Texan, but I have spent parts of about a dozen summers in Scotland, mostly in Edinburgh. I love Scottish history, as well as the country itself. Scottish literature is among the best in the world, and Nigel Tranter is one of my favorite Scottish writers. I have read about a dozen of his historical novels, and enjoyed every one. The Bruce Trilogy is especially good, and is in my view the finest historical novel ever printed. However, Tranter does something different in The Story of Scotland, which isn't quite history. I prefer to think of it as "Historical Nonfiction", for in it Tranter weaves a tale, but this time it is the tale of all Scotland. The book is aptly named, for although historical, it is a story first and foremost. It is an excellent introduction to Scotland and its history, as long as one does not mistake it for serious history. I have read it several times, and recommend it with enthusiasm.

If you want an interesting, entertaining history of Scotland. This is your book. We are going to Scotland as a family this summer and "The Story of Scotland" has been a great introduction to the wild ride of Scottish history. I highly recommend it.

The story of Scotland by Nigel Tranter is his way of telling the history or rather overview of Scotland from the times of the Picts, Columba, to the Canmores, Bruces, Stewarts and finally through the Jacobite rebellions and the Highland clearances. Nigel Tranter does a beautiful job of giving any reader a basic overview of what Scotland's history and major players were all about. Not all Kings were great nor was every commoner unworthy. The book is full of choice facts and interesting tidbits that leave you wanting to know more. I found myself often jotting down notes to research further.

Anyone new to Scottish history should read this to get their bearings. This book is told as though your Grandfather was telling the tale. This book is also a good outline for Tranter's other Historical fiction novels. If you like a particular peace of history then chances are that one of Tranter's novels covers the individual or event quiet well. It is like the framework that he decorates with all his novels.

This book is perfect to those new and seasoned Scottish history lovers or just for Tranter fans that are looking for the summary of the land they love. Worth every penny.

The Story of Scotland by Nigel Tranter encompasses Scottish history from Misty Origins (the first chapter) to the twentieth century. The book addresses a huge breadth of subject material, romping through Scottish history whilst commentating on events, people, movements and politics. The book was first published in 1987, before Scottish devolution, and it is still readily available nearly 25 years after initial publication.

Nigel Tranter (1909-2000) declares in the Preface to The Story of Scotland that he is a storyteller not a historian. Yet he has an impressive understanding of Scottish history. A prolific fiction author, he wrote a number of books based on key Scottish events and/or historical figures including The Bruce Trilogy and The Stewart Trilogy. He also wrote children's books, Westerns (under the pen name Nye Tredgold) and non-fiction books about Scotland - he had a particular interest in Scottish castles. He had a gift for pulling threads of fact into readable fiction, presenting complex ideas in an accessible format. This book does not have a list of sources, but it does draw on a lifetime of exploration of Scotland - a land renowned for its oral traditions.

I found myself immediately drawn in by the conversational writing style of The Story of Scotland. I could hear the strong voice of the author in my head as I read. Observations came thick and fast, illuminating material and reinforcing memory. An example - Tranter asserts that the Picts painting themselves instead of wearing clothes, a "fact" the author was told at school, does not hold weight if you think of the climate they lived in; he also points out that carvings of Picts show them wearing clothing. He links the "craving for a homeland" common in those of Scottish ancestry with Pict religious beliefs - one of many engaging theories about Scottish history and culture proposed in the book.

If you know nothing about Scottish history, you may find this book a useful introduction. If you have dabbled in Scottish history, this book can illuminate areas of darkness. If your approach is academic/scholarly, try this book as a quick read - it may kick start thinking in new directions.

I found this book in a local charity shop and debated before buying whether I needed another book about Scottish history - I am so glad I did buy it, as it provides a unique, creative and heartfelt celebration of all that was and is Scotland.

This is not a beginner's book on Scotland. A reader must already be versed in the history of Scotland otherwise there are just a bunch of names and places being thrown around. And what would have really helped is a map...or several maps...If I grew up in Scotland and knew Scottish history, this would be a great book...but for me, someone trying to learn more about Scotland, not so much.

After seeing some shows on Scotland, I wanted to know more about the country. I came across Nigel Tranter's The Story of Scotland on Amazon, purchased, received and started reading. I found it very readable and not overly complicated. I was able to follow the ups and downs without getting involved with too many dates and names. There is some of that, of course, but not like I was preparing for the final exam.

For the traveler or someone just interested, its a great choice.

Nigel Tranter gives a different view of the usual glorified, "Braveheart" kind of Scottish history. THE STORY OF SCOTLAND is an insider's journey through an often misunderstood country.

I am addicted to history! The author admits that he is not a qualified historian and theirin lies my problem.
I do believe that he sucessfull makes 'history'not so dull. My only complaint is that too often in his writings some of the more important connections and data are missing, and a novice could not connect the dots, and would miss a great deal! From all his previous efforts, and retoration of Scottish homes and other interests I still find his works to be a good read....and truly miss the fact that his writings have ceased.