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Before Scotland

A Prehistory
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( 280 ratings, 31 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Before Scotland by Alistair Moffat offers an insightful journey into Scotland's formation before recorded history. It delves into the land's geological evolution, its prehistoric inhabitants, and the cultural and environmental influences that shaped early Scottish society. The book combines archaeological evidence with storytelling to paint a vivid picture of ancient Scotland, exploring the mysteries and myths that surround its earliest days.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by ancient history and want to delve into the untold stories of Scotland's earliest inhabitants, their cultures, and landscapes before recorded history. It offers a captivating exploration of archaeology and folklore, making it ideal for those who appreciate a richly detailed journey into the past.

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A pioneering look at early Scotland that transforms prehistory into gripping narrative.

A pioneering look at early Scotland that transforms prehistory into gripping narrative history

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A pioneering look at early Scotland that transforms prehistory into gripping narrative history.

The story of the land that became Scotland is one of dramatic geological events and impressive human endeavour. 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. Rounding out the account is a selection of carefully chosen colour photographs that give a strong sense of the Scottish landscape and monuments.

Erudite and entertaining, Before Scotland transforms our understanding of a neglected period. A story of dramatic geological events and impressive human endeavour, it is essential reading for anyone interested in the land that became Scotland.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Before Scotland by Alistair Moffat has been praised for its vivid and compelling narrative, likened to the warmth of a dram of uisge beatha. Experts commend the book for its brilliant portrayal of the timeless connection between people and landscape, with a lively and entertaining style that makes it deserving of a wide readership.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500297254

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 July 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Illustration: 1 Illustrations, black and white; 22 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 360g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Alistair Moffat was born in Kelso, Scotland. He is an award-winning writer and historian, and was Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is former Rector of the University of St Andrews. He is founder of Borders Book Festival and Co-Chairman of The Great Tapestry of Scotland. His many books include The Highland Clans and Scotland's Forgotten Past, both also published by Thames & Hudson.

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