Library

The Scottish Nation

This is an excellent book covering modern Scottish history from 1707-2007. Devine examines the social, economic, religious and political factors which have shaped Scotland. This is very readable and insightful stuff and well worth a look.

Independence and Nationhood

One of the best books on the Scottish Wars of Independence this volume by Alexander Grant examines the rise of Robert the Bruce and the Stuart kings and their contribution to Scottish national identity.

Scotland: A New History

This is a one volume history of Scotland which attempts to span twenty centuries from the Picts to the modern day. It is well written with a focus on the 16th Century and the Reformation which is Professor Lynch´s area of expertise. Not a particularly readable book this is a little dry and sprawls all over the place, Lynch does tie together threads from every time and place in Scotland to build his arguments and the research is excellent but it feels as though you are reading a textbook.

Scottish Historical Documents

A fascinating and useful collection of source material put together by Professor Gordon Donaldson. This book includes 242 documents covering the period from the early 8th century up to the union in 1707. There are all sorts of areas of Scottish life covered here though it may take careful reading and patience to unlock the meaning of each.