Knopf Guide: Scotland

by Alfred A. Knopf Publishing

In this guide to Scotland, the reader is shown a history closely intertwined with that of a Roman period, followed by the Dark Ages, the Wars of Independence, the rise of the Stuarts and the House of Hanover. Beautiful architectural drawings highlight the extremely rich legacy of Celtic ruins, Anglo-Norman, Gothic, Post Reformation, Geargian and the 19th century Romantic movement styles -- and not the least -- the Scottish style practiced by Charles Rennie MacKintosh. Scottish traditions such as the tartan dress and clans as well local cuisine are also touched upon.

Fifteen itineraries take the reader through the spectacular landscape of the moor, loch and gorge and into the medieval towns and imposing castle architecture that characterizes the countryside. From the capital of Edinburgh with its impressive castle, palace and Charlotte Square designed by Robert Adam to the dramatic site of the 18th century Blair Castle in Perthshire and Kinross; to Bowhill, the vast estate of the Scotts of Buccleuch on the Scottish Borders; to the beauty of the subtropical gardens on Inverewe in Highland on the west coast; to the town and castle of Inveraray, in Argyll and Bute (the late 18th century decorations of the duke of Argyll are considered outstanding.) From Loch Lomond, 23 miles long, "Queen of the Scottish Lochs" to Glasgow where there is much to see including the Burrell Collection, the great Gothic cathedral, the Hunterian Art Gallery, with its Whistlers and such glorious examples of the architecture of MacKintosh at Hill House and Helensbrugh at the Willow Rooms.

Each Guide takes you fearlessly and efficiently into the heart and culture of the city. Smart, incisive, sharp and sleek, these guides are as practical as they are beautiful.

Genres: Travel

324 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2001

About the author

Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. is an American publishing house that was founded by Blanche Knopf and Alfred A. Knopf Sr. in 1915.

From the start, Knopf focused on European translations and high-brow works of literature. During World War I these books were cheap to obtain and helped establish Knopf as an American firm publishing European works.

In 1960, Random House acquired the Alfred A. Knopf publishing house. Knopf published textbooks until 1988, when Random House's schools and colleges division was sold to McGraw Hill.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, portable little book on Scotland that gives you history, architecture, nature facts, arts, traditions, maps, etc. It also includes glossy photos and a lot of advice. Useful before you go to know where you want to go. Helpful after to remember where you've been and what you saw. One of many Knopf guides, the book on Scotland was an essential part of my visit this past fall.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this book for a bike tour in Scotland but never fully read it: guides aren’t typically easy reading. There is a little bit of everything here: history, important buildings, important people (historical, artistic), flora & fauna. Heavy emphasis on what most tourists are looking for: castles & museums along main tour routes. Recommendations for lodgings & dining options in the back.

While the organization makes sense for most travelers as it is broken down by regions, it made it difficult to connect interests that aren’t bound by specific areas. Also, the sparsity of more detailed maps made understanding more difficult.

Adequate, lots of interesting tidbits, but I would recommend reading more specific material at home on the areas you would be visiting.