
Scotland
A Very Short Introduction
Rab Houston(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 27. November 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-19-923079-2 (ISBN)
Description
Since Devolution in 1999 Scotland has become a focus of intense interest both within Britain and throughout the wider world. In this Very Short Introduction, Rab Houston explores how an independent Scottish nation emerged in the Middle Ages, how it was irrevocably altered by Reformation, links with England and economic change, and how Scotland influenced the development of the modern world. Examining politics, law, society, religion, education, migration, and culture, he examines how the nation's history has made it distinct from England, both before and after Union, how it overcame internal tensions between Highland and Lowland society, and how it has today arrived at a political, social and culture watershed.
Authoritative, lucid, and ranging widely over issues of environment, people, and identity, this is Scotland's story without myths: an ideal introduction for those interested in the Scots, but also a balanced yet refreshing challenge to those who already feel at home in Scotland past and present.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Authoritative, lucid, and ranging widely over issues of environment, people, and identity, this is Scotland's story without myths: an ideal introduction for those interested in the Scots, but also a balanced yet refreshing challenge to those who already feel at home in Scotland past and present.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Reviews / Votes
Houston's survey is clear and certainly concise. * Clare Beck, The Scotsman * A whistle-stop tour through the history of Scotland's politics, religion, education, economy and culture...both complex and rich. * Clare Beck, The Scotsman *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
15 black and white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 174 mm
Width: 113 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
156 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-923079-2 (9780199230792)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Robert Allan Houston was educated at the Edinburgh Academy and St Andrews University before spending six years at Cambridge University as a research student. He has been a Professor of Modern History, specialising in British social history, at the University of St Andrews since 1983. He lives in Edinburgh.
Content
Introduction ; 1. Politics and Government ; 2. Religion ; 3. Education ; 4. Society ; 5. Economy and Environment ; 6. Scotland and the Wider World ; 7. Culture ; Conclusions