Celtic Scotland, Vol. 1 (Classic Reprint): A History of Ancient Alban

by William Forbes Skene

Excerpt from Celtic Scotland

The Author is glad to take this opportunity of acknowledging the valuable assistance which his excellent publisher, Mr. David Douglas, has freely and ungrudgingly given him in carefully revising the proof-sheets. They could have been submitted to no more intelligent supervision.

Genres: History

543 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1876

About the author

William Forbes Skene was a Scottish historian and antiquary. He was the second son of James Skene of Rubislaw, near Aberdeen, who was a friend of Sir Walter Scott. He was educated at Edinburgh Academy in Edinburgh and at the University of St Andrews, taking an especial interest in the study of Celtic philology and literature. In 1832, he became a Writer to the Signet (WS), and shortly afterwards obtained an official appointment in the bill department of the Court of Session, which he held until 1865.

Skene's early interest in the history and antiquities of the Scottish Highlands bore its first fruit in 1837, when he published The Highlanders of Scotland, their Origin, History and Antiquities. His chief work, however, is his Celtic Scotland, a History of Ancient Alban (3 volumes, Edinburgh, 1876–1880), perhaps the most important contribution to Scottish history written during the 19th century.

The most important of Skene's other works are: editions of John of Fordun's Chronica gentis Scotorum (Edinburgh, 1871–1872); of the Four Ancient Books of Wales (Edinburgh, 1868); of the Chronicles of the Picts and Scots (Edinburgh, 1867); and of Adomnán's Vita S. Columbae (Edinburgh, 1874); an Essay on the Coronation Stone of Scone (Edinburgh, 1869); and Memorials of the Family of Skene of Skene (Aberdeen, 1887).

Reviews

[Pam Shelton-Anderson]

This is the first of three volumes of ancient Scotland up through the 13th century. It is a very scholarly work, using many sources with a good discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the sources. My review is based on readability and other factors that determine if I gleaned any information from it. It was very readable, even at points of history with which I am not very familiar. Did I learn anything? Absolutely though I will have to read it a few more times to get a modicum of comfort level with the subject matter. Did I enjoy it? Very much! I love books that bring these ancient peoples to life since they are all part of who we have become. I look forward to the next 2 volumes.