
Scotland's Forgotten Past
A History of the Mislaid, Misplaced and Misunderstood
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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Start with this bookAbout 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 History | 100% |
|---|---|
| Great Britain Travel | 33% |
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