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The Mark of the Scots: Their Astonishing Contributions to History, Science, Democracy, Literature, and the Arts by Duncan A. Bruce
While relatively small in number, the Scots have certainly made their mark on the 70% of all American presidents have had Scottish ancestry, 11% of all Nobel Prizes ever awarded have involved Scots and their descendants, and at least half of the men who walked on the men were descended from Scots. Here is the first-ever celebration of all things--and all people--of Scottish descent. photos.
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 7, 2020
The Scottish people have an incredible history of creation and contribution of what is taken for granted as a "norm of society" in the Western society.
One of many examples of a norm of society is getting married in a convenient setting that does require an elaborate ceremonial process. This was originally referred to as a "mutual-marriage" by the Scots. A man and woman could be joined in front of a minister and simply express that they agree to be married, and that was that.
Additionally, I never knew that the Scottish were the ones whom created the foundation of intellectual achievement through what is referred to as the "enlightenment". The British have a habit of taking credit for this and have persuaded many to fall under their romantic intellectual spell of being the sole creators of this great stretch of intellectualism.
For example: The Encyclopaedia Britannica is often considered to be of British origin. This is not the case. The Encyclopaedia Britannica was started by the Scottish in Edinburgh. The writer of the first three volumes in the year 1768 was William Smellie. After him came James Tytler whom singlehandedly wrote all of the volumes of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. He was a man of many talents. He was also the first hot air balloonist of Scotland. James Tytler is often neglected in history books, mostly due to the fact that he suffered great debts and was imprisoned for his debts. Many writers take advantage of his downfalls to cast him aside as a mere meaningless broke drunk.
This is done so often that it is completely forgotten that James Tytler bravely fled the country that sought to keep him forever in debt and in chains, making his landing at Salem, Massachusetts, where he established a new life for himself as a gazette editor.
One of many examples of a norm of society is getting married in a convenient setting that does require an elaborate ceremonial process. This was originally referred to as a "mutual-marriage" by the Scots. A man and woman could be joined in front of a minister and simply express that they agree to be married, and that was that.
Additionally, I never knew that the Scottish were the ones whom created the foundation of intellectual achievement through what is referred to as the "enlightenment". The British have a habit of taking credit for this and have persuaded many to fall under their romantic intellectual spell of being the sole creators of this great stretch of intellectualism.
For example: The Encyclopaedia Britannica is often considered to be of British origin. This is not the case. The Encyclopaedia Britannica was started by the Scottish in Edinburgh. The writer of the first three volumes in the year 1768 was William Smellie. After him came James Tytler whom singlehandedly wrote all of the volumes of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. He was a man of many talents. He was also the first hot air balloonist of Scotland. James Tytler is often neglected in history books, mostly due to the fact that he suffered great debts and was imprisoned for his debts. Many writers take advantage of his downfalls to cast him aside as a mere meaningless broke drunk.
This is done so often that it is completely forgotten that James Tytler bravely fled the country that sought to keep him forever in debt and in chains, making his landing at Salem, Massachusetts, where he established a new life for himself as a gazette editor.
August 31, 2024
If a survey that is heavy on breadth, but short on depth appeals to you, Duncan Bruce’s “The Mark of the Scots” will captivate.
Bruce documents that the Scottish people have a rich intellectual, technological, and military history. Their contributions to modernity are, indeed, unparalleled.
While Scottish philosophers created the foundation of intellectual achievement for the Enlightenment, Bruce’s survey mostly overlooks Hume, perhaps the most seminal philosopher of the 18th century, as well as Kames, and Ferguson. His treatment of Scottish scientists and inventors is excellent.
Some of the lineage that Bruce suggests is tenuous; however, the author does an outstanding job of pointing out the tremendous impact that Scots and Ulstermen played in early American history. Scottish educational institutions seeded the colonies, and were instrumental in grooming our founders. That said, Bruce does shy away from much discussion of the impact of Sir Walter Scott’s writing on Calhoun’s justification of the South’s “peculiar institution,” and hence his theory of nullification.
Overall, Bruce has given us an enjoyable and interesting book.
Bruce documents that the Scottish people have a rich intellectual, technological, and military history. Their contributions to modernity are, indeed, unparalleled.
While Scottish philosophers created the foundation of intellectual achievement for the Enlightenment, Bruce’s survey mostly overlooks Hume, perhaps the most seminal philosopher of the 18th century, as well as Kames, and Ferguson. His treatment of Scottish scientists and inventors is excellent.
Some of the lineage that Bruce suggests is tenuous; however, the author does an outstanding job of pointing out the tremendous impact that Scots and Ulstermen played in early American history. Scottish educational institutions seeded the colonies, and were instrumental in grooming our founders. That said, Bruce does shy away from much discussion of the impact of Sir Walter Scott’s writing on Calhoun’s justification of the South’s “peculiar institution,” and hence his theory of nullification.
Overall, Bruce has given us an enjoyable and interesting book.
February 17, 2020
This book was the first of its kind and is, by far, the most intriguing introduction to the myriad accomplishments of the Scottish people in the world beyond their remote country. Learn how a small group of people had an extensive and meaningful impact on nearly every facet of modern-day life. I wish every Scot would read this and take a page from it as they face the UK's Brexit decision. Maybe they would be inspired to opt to go it alone! :) Regardless, this well-written tribute allows the Scots to shed their hatchet-wielding, barbarian stereotype and take their rightful place in the modern world.
May 9, 2019
Fascinating!
September 16, 2015
Interesting survey of the contribution of Scottish people.
April 12, 2016
The very many Scots who have contributed to the civilized world throughout history.
May 9, 2019
I had no idea!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews