Scotland's Forgotten Past by Alistair Moffat

Scotland's Forgotten Past

A History of the Mislaid, Misplaced and Misunderstood

Alistair Moffat

WW Norton · Print & ebook · July 8, 2025

Entertaining and provocative, this book from an expert on Scotland’s cultural heritage reveals the lost history of an ancient, proud nation.

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Who it’s for
Scotland’s overlooked past makes for a lively historical sweep, from ancient beginnings to modern times.
Themes
Lesser-known Scottish history, Scottish cultural heritage, Overlooked people, places, and events
Genres
Scottish History, Great Britain Travel

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About this book

Entertaining and provocative, this book from an expert on Scotland’s cultural heritage reveals the lost history of an ancient, proud nation. While Scotland’s history cannot be separated from its kings and queens, saints, and warriors, there is a rich story to tell about the country’s lesser-known places, people, and events.

Continue reading

This colorful history of Scotland from award-winning writer Alistair Moffat chooses episodes, half-forgotten or misunderstood, that have been submerged by the wash of history. Bringing these stories to light and to life, this entertaining book reveals the richness and complexity of this nation on the northwest edge of Europe. Moffat takes us from the geological formation of the land that makes up Scotland to the first evidence of human habitation and then up to modern times. In the process our discoveries include: the cave of headless children; the origins of the Scottish kings and the real heroes of Scottish independence; the invention of tartan and the romance of the Highlands; Scotland’s answer to Shakespeare; the many US presidents with Scottish heritage, and other fascinating tales brought to life by Joe McLaren’s attractive woodcut-style illustrations. Even the most knowledgeable history buff will experience a sense of newfound knowledge and appreciation for this unique country, its history, and its people.

History Recovered

Scotland’s overlooked past makes for a lively historical sweep, from ancient beginnings to modern times.

Come here for

  • Overlooked Scottish people, places and episodes
  • History beyond kings, queens and warriors

Expect

  • A sweep from geological origins to modern times
  • Woodcut-style illustrations alongside varied historical episodes

Where it sits

Scottish History100%
Great Britain Travel33%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • British History
  • Scottish History
Authors
Alistair Moffat
Publisher
WW Norton
Published
July 8, 2025
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
Lesser-known Scottish history · Scottish cultural heritage · Overlooked people, places, and events
Reading lane
British History