Illustrated History of Scotland

by Chris J. Tabraham

This colorful book brings Scotland's history vividly to life from its prehistoric past to its innovative present. It reveals key historical events and the characters behind them--From invaders, warriors, rulers, inventors, artists, and politicians to ordinary folk who emerge as heroes in this remarkable story. Beautifully illustrated with contemporary photographs and nearly 100 archival images from museums and other sources across Scotland, the book features subjects as diverse as the warlike Picts, St. Columba, Macbeth, the Battle of Bannockburn, Mary Queen of Scots, the poet Robert Burns, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Scotland's universities.

Genres: History, Scotland, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Christopher J. Tabraham was Principal Historian at Historic Scotland.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and comprehensive history of Scotland. I have been reading several Scottish histories but this illustrated version is the best so far. With photos and drawings to enforce the narrative, details about the Picts and the Celts, the wars with the English, the Enlightenment advances, Scotland in the 20th century, and the devolution/Independence movement -all these events make more sense. We first got this book when it was recommended by Road Scholar before our 2022 trip. I’m happy to finally read it before our 2024 trip.

[GONZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful in understanding more about our trip to Scotland, even without paying particular attention to all the various kings and queens who have succeeded on the various thrones.

Molto utile per capire qualcosa di piú del nostro viaggio in Scozia, anche senza fare particolare attenzione a tutti vari re e regine che si sono succeduti sui vari troni.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent, well written book with great historical images and photography. A very good overview of Scottish history with good info on archaeological remains, etc.

I was a bit sad that the author's political bias seemed to come to the forefront when discussing more modern times, as he only discussed the rise of the Labour party, but does not discuss the other political parties in Scotland except as opponents of the Labour party. I typically expect less bias in a history book; this is why I removed one star from my rating of this otherwise nicely presented book.

[John Matthew IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick summary of the history of Scotland from the very beginning. Lots of great photos and illustrations.

p. 27: Nechtansmere: 685 battle where Picts routed Angles.

p. 29: "They make a desert and called it peace." -- Agricola

p. 32: "panegyrist": A panegyric is a formal public speech or written verse, delivered in high praise of a person or thing.

p. 43:The Pirate

p. 77: "orisons": "The Scots, rising as one from their orisons, advanced down the hill.": "a prayer"

p. 90: Battle of Harlow: Scottish clan battle fought on 24 July 1411 just north of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.

p. 98: Battle of Flodden: a battle fought on 9 September 1513 during the War of the League of Cambrai between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland, resulting in an English victory.

p. 98: "The Flowers of the Forest" by Sir Walter Scott

p. 111: Liddesdale: "The bloodiest valley in Britain."

p. 113: Wales "lost its fight for independence with the death of Owain Glyn Dwr in 1416."

p. 113: "James's [King James VI] Ulster 'plantation' was state terrorism on the grand scale of which even Stalin would have been proud."

p. 118: Battle of Dunbar: Fought between the English New Model Army, under Oliver Cromwell, and a Scottish army commanded by David Leslie on 3 September 1650 near Dunbar, Scotland.

p. 123: Massacre of Glencoe: On 13 February 1692, an estimated 30 members and associates of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by Scottish government forces.

p. 127: Tenants ("gudeman" and sub-tenants: hinds (ploughmen), herds (tending the beasts), crofters and cottars.

p. 129: Lifting Day: "beasts were taken outside when they were so malnourished that they literally to be lifted and carried outside."

p. 160: "There were two things a Highlander liked naked, and one was his malt!"

p. 161: "The De'ils Awa' Wi' The Exciseman" by Robert Burns

p. 170: "In 1799 Parliament declared an end to serfdom."

p. 189: Apocrypha 3: 1-3

p. 193: "The Menace of the Irish Race to Our Scottish Nationality" by the Church of Scotland

Further Reading

[JimZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finishing seven of Sir Walter Scott's novels led me to want to read more about Scotland. Chris Tabraham's offering was the right place to start. In a little over 200 pages, he covers Scotland's past in a fast-moving text filled with well-chosen photos and special-focus inserts which help the reader get a feel for what makes this remarkable country so special.

Scotland's past is, of course, closely intertwined with that of England. And yet Scotland has its own story to tell. Its achievements are legend for such a small country. It is no wonder Scots and their descendants living around the world are so proud of their heritage.

Geography is where things begin, and this is nowhere so true as it is with Scotland. Tabraham helped this reader understand its regions and how they shaped the people, the economy, human conflicts, and character.

The book has a very thorough Chronology to follow along, or simply to help the reader recall the events and people that created Scotland. It is well worth at least scanning this section before closing to book.

Five stars.

[Bryan Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cracking read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun, easy to read, and was a great overview of Scottish history.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photography. Witty recitation of historical events. Tahraham has a voice that's fun and engaging, if a little opinionated. I learned a ton about Scottish history and got to have this impressive hardcover on my coffee-table for the three weeks I had it checked out from the library.

[Katarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my nice members what I brang from Scotland.