Scotland

A History from Earliest Times

De: Alistair Moffat

Narrado por: Ruth Urquhart

Five hundred million years of Scottish history from the author of Arthur and the Lost Kingdoms: "Deserves a prominent place in the history canon" (Scots Magazine).

Covering the Ice Age to the recent Scottish Referendum, the acclaimed historian and author explores the history of the Scottish nation. Focusing on key moments such as the Battle of Bannockburn and the Jacobite risings, Moffat also features other episodes in history that are perhaps less well documented.

From prehistoric timber halls to inventions and literature, Moffat's epic explores the drama of battle, change, loss, and innovation interspersed with the lives of ordinary Scottish folk, the men and women who defined a nation.

©2015, 2017 Alistair Moffat (P)2021 Tantor

A good, but flawed history

As others have pointed out, Moffat does make a few mistakes with Scottish History, simple facts that could have been fact checked better, but even this can happen to great writers.

Overall, the book is dense at times, and requires a certain level of concentration to get through. I think the biggest thing for me is that the book seems to jump from topic to topic within chapter, and then back to a previous topic. It can make, at times, for a very confusing book. However, I do believe that the book does have value, and offers a good starting point for a political, economic, and cultural history all wrapped up in one. The chapters that focus on medieval history seem to be the best, while the more modern eras, the last two chapters, read like a list of elections at times.

In sum, a good beginners history, but be ready to fact check if need be.

Great story Emotionless reading Bad ending

Great story, monotone reader, but clearly spoken. She does a great job at just saying the words. I always love Moffat’s books, but at the end of this one he brings up American politics and tries to play the anti-Trump card, which really soils the book. History will reflect its truth and I think we need distance of more than what we have, especially in the current political state of the world. A poor reflection that could turn half the population of the USA off of Moffat’s future books.

Outstanding approach to history!

This exceptional history, book captures history at many levels, not just through the lens of the privileged people or kings, but captures the stories of the peoples, the land and the culture..

Good until…

I enjoyed this book until the postscript. At that point the author felt the need to chime in about American politics. He obviously has no idea what he is talking about regarding our politics. He spewed lies in a typical arrogant British tone. Maybe he should stick to history and leave American politics to Americans.

Very good until it wasn't.

this is a LONG book, covering centuries. It could drift into white noise because of the length. However, I did appreciate the history, even when it was clearly opinionated.
The end led my discouragement and decision to reduce the star count. Acidic attack on USA political candidates and campaigns was not contributory to the position of Scotland. Or if it is, there's a lot of missing starch in Scotland's proclaimed starchy strength. Unprofessional and disappointing. Had this occurred earlier in the recording, I would have abandoned the book and missed some history. :( thumbs down 👎

Very informative

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book and will recommend it to others. Previous reviews have mentioned the afterword because of the content related to recent political events in the US and I personally fail to find fault with the content included. It was very straightforward and factual. In this case, the facts are very much unflattering to the US. Just like the many things the author discusses in the history of Scotland that are less than savory, they still happened and can’t be ignored. This is history and you have to be open to hearing the bad bits as well as the good. We learn history in order to prepare for a better future. While there is much to be entertained by in history, there is much more to be concerned about by not learning about the bad bits. I implore you to disregard the reviews that suggest this book “defaces the US” or “states political views as fact”, it really does no such thing. It is a fine and researched history that packs a lot into a mere 22 hours without inundating you with inconsequential trivia.

Could have been great!

Overall the book was good until the last chapter and had to bring President Trump into the mixture.

Great Story!

Moffatt is true to form here. He tells a great story! He often takes leaps to draw conclusions not always supported by fact, but he typically does so only when one theory is as good as another! The result is a thought-provoking sweep that encourages the reader to dive deeper into the events and history they he covers.

I highly recommend this work to those looking for a broad understanding of Scotland.

A worthy listen...

A worthy listen, what a book! From Scotland‘s very formation, up until 2016. Perfect listen/read while traveling around the highlands recently. (May 24-June 6, 2025).

Very helpful

This book is really wonderful to listen to, It unknots baffling tangles in Scottish history. The narrator is skilled in delivering the music of the language. It does kind of lose color after 1950. Perhaps that is because it is largely known to me. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to tackle the Gordian knot of Scottish history.