Magnus Magnusson's timely and vivid look at Scotland's long a difficult road to nationhood takes as its starting-point Sir Walter Scott's 'Tales of a Grandfather', which has moulded the views of generations of Scottish schoolchildren since its first appearance in 1827-29.

Like Scott, Magnus Magnusson is a master story-teller, who investigates such questions as: Where did the 'Scots' come from? What happened to the Picts? What is the truth about such historical figures a Macbeth, William Wallace and Robert Bruce? What was the significance of the tragic reign of Mary Queen of Scots? Who were the Covenanters? What lay behind the Massacre of Glencoe? What were the long-term effects of the 1707 Treaty of Union with England? What was the impact of 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' and his brutal defeat at Culloden?

In his journey through Scotland's past, the author has visited many of the places which have shaped its history and takes account of all the latest historical research.

'Magnus Magnusson tells his story with vigour and lucidity... he sets himself to put the romance back into history, and succeeds splendidly, His account of the wars of independence is admirably gripping'
ALLAN MASSIE, 'Spectator'

'A very readable, traditional history told as a tale from its beginnings up to now... offering hundreds of well-chosen photographs and reproductions.'
NEAL ASCHERSON, 'Observer'

'Mr Magnusson has distilled the past to give us a romp through history that is as gripping as - but far more accurate than - any Hollywood blockbuster.'
SUNDAY EXPRESS