Scotland: Archaeology and Early History: A General Introduction

by J.N. Graham Ritchie, Anna Ritchie

Scotland is unusually rich in field monuments and objects surviving from early times. This comprehensive survey of Scotland's prehistoric and early historic archaeology covers the full chronological range from the earliest inhabitants to the union of the Picts and Scots in AD 843. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will help both students and visitors to monuments to understand the lifestyles of Scotland's early societies.

Genres: History, Scotland, Archaeology, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 1981

About the author

Dr. James Neil Graham Ritchie was a Scottish archaeologist. He graduated with an Honours Degree in Fine Art from the University of Edinburgh before undertaking postgraduate research that led to a Ph.D. on the Celtic Warrior.

In 1968, he married the archaeologist and historian Anna Bachelier. He then joined the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) where he worked on the survey of Argyll.

Reviews

[Hon Lady Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

a comprehensive Introduction to early historical Scotland, a must-read if planning a Serious Scottish trip - includes Pictish stone locations and explanations of drawings, for example St Serf's Church and the great Dupplin Cross from around 800 AD.

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly rounding up, but definitely a good read and introduction to a fairly wide span of history.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compact, detailed, yet readable and comprehensible archaeological history of Scotland. Chapters on Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Celtic, and Pictish settlement + Roman Scotland and Angles, Celts, Picts. Excellent 'background' book if you plan to visit Scotland. Highly recommended.