Before Scotland

The Story of Scotland Before History

Paperback, 352 pages

English language

Published March 16, 2009 by Thames & Hudson.

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(1 review)

The story of the land that became Scotland is one of dramatic geological events and impressive human endeavour. Alistair Moffat’s gripping narrative ranges from the great thaw at the end of the Ice Age – which was instrumental in shaping Scotland’s magnificent landscape – through the megalith builders, the Celts and the Picts, to the ascension of King Constantine II. Moffat deploys his knowledge with wit and deftness, interweaving the story with numerous special features on topics as diverse as cave drawings of dancing girls, natural birth control, the myth of Atlantis and the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence – all of them valuable, sometimes quirky, additions to the whole picture. Rounding out the account is a selection of carefully chosen colour photographs that give a strong sense of the Scottish landscape and monuments. Erudite and entertaining, Before Scotland, newly available in paperback, transforms our understanding of a neglected period. It …

1 edition

Good beginning and ending, sandwiching more frustrating material

Starts off strong with coverage of the ice ages and the early habitation of Scotland, and finishes well with the coming of the Romans through to the final Pictish kingdoms around 800. The middle, though, suffered from what I think is quite common in popular prehistories: plenty of conjecture, set off by overly frequent use of 'they must have...' and 'no doubt...'. Still enjoyable, but there were times when I wasn't really sure what I was reading.

Subjects

  • Prehistoric peoples -- Scotland.
  • Scotland -- History -- To 1057.
  • Scotland -- Antiquities.