Author Description
The Oxford Companion to Scottish History has more than 170 expert contributors. It interprets history broadly, including archaeology, architecture, climate, culture, folk belief, geology, and the langauages of Scotland. It covers more than 20 centuries of history, including immigrants, migrants, and emigrants. It extends from Orkney and Shetland to Galloway, the Western Isles to the Borders. It deals extensively with Scots abroad, from Canada to Russia to New Zealand. More than 500,000 words in length, it is comprehensive. It includes entries on historical figures from Columba, Macbeth, and William Wallace to James (Paraffin) Young. It covers Burns Clubs, curling, and shinty. It ranges from clans to Clearances and Covenanters. The Oxford Companion to Scottish History has a broader range of topics and approches, and a more much more authoritative list of contributors than any of its competitors. It also stands alone in providing analysis of issues such as national identity and living standards.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume serves as a comprehensive reference work designed to synthesize over two millennia of Scottish history, culture, and societal development. Edited by Michael Lynch, a distinguished historian, the text utilizes contributions from over 170 experts to provide a multi-disciplinary analysis of Scotland. The work argues that Scottish history must be interpreted through a broad lens that encompasses not only political events but also geology, climate, architecture, and the global diaspora of the Scottish people.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Coverage of over 20 centuries of history spanning from ancient times to the modern era.
- Analysis of diverse topics including archaeology, folk belief, national identity, and living standards.
- Biographical entries on significant historical figures ranging from early saints and monarchs to modern cultural icons.
Scope Limits
- While comprehensive, the text functions as a reference companion rather than a singular narrative history.
- The depth of individual entries is constrained by the encyclopedic format, which prioritizes breadth across a vast array of subjects.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and academics frequently cite this volume as the definitive reference work for Scottish studies due to its extensive contributor list and thematic range. Readers note the high density of information and the scholarly rigor applied to both traditional historical topics and niche cultural subjects.
Page Count:
768
Publication Date:
2001-12-06
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192116967
ISBN-13:
9780192116963
History
Academic
Reference
European History
Scotland
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