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History Books > Medieval History Books
Paperback Before Scotland: A Prehistory Book
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ISBN: 0500297258

ISBN13: 9780500297254

Before Scotland: A Prehistory

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Format: Paperback

Condition: New

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Book Overview

The story of the land that became Scotland is one of dramatic geological events and impressive human endeavor. Alistair Moffat's gripping narrative ranges from the great thaw at the end of the Ice Age, which was instrumental in shaping Scotland's magnificent landscape; through the megalith builders, the Celts, and the Picts; to the ascension of King Constantine II.

Moffat deploys his knowledge with wit and deftness, interweaving the story with numerous special features on topics as diverse as cave drawings of dancing girls, natural birth control, the myth of Atlantis, and the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence--all of them valuable, sometimes quirky, additions to the whole picture. Erudite and entertaining, Before Scotland transforms our understanding of a neglected period and is essential reading for anyone interested in the people, events, and monuments that make up Scotland's captivating past.

Related Subjects

England Europe History Ireland Politics & Social Sciences Scotland Western

Customer Reviews

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Awesome storytelling

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This was without doubt the most enthralling history of a place that I have ever read - and that's a broad statement from someone who loves biographies. It was readable, not at all stilted in language or style, and very hard to put down. Moffat tells the story and describes the people - and although a lot is conjecture and extrapolation, it has never been done better.

Fascinating tour

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Alistair Moffat has produced an excellent introduction to Scottish prehistory. Moffat reviews the archeology and history of Scotland from roughly 11,000 years ago until the beginning of the Middle Ages. He is at his best when he examines the archeological evidence and what it tells us about how these early inhabitants lived--what their homes were like, what they ate, how they obtained their food, the material culture they produced, and what we can guess about their religious practices. Many of the descriptions of actual historical events (with the exception of the Roman period) are covered in too little detail to be satisfying. Although readers with training in the hard sciences may wince at some of Moffat's comments--his brief description of the Big Bang and formation of the solar system, for example--and everyone except for native Scots will wish that a good map had been included, this book is well worth the time spent. Sit back, pour a wee nip of single malt, and enjoy this journey into the past.
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