Mary Queen of Scots, Antonia Fraser
Paperback or hardback
First published in 1969 and in print ever since, this is probably the definitive book on the life of Mary. Impeccable scholarship, (with notes and sources), combined with an easily readable style makes this a really enjoyable book.
The story of her childhood in France, marriage to the French King's son, return to Scotland and imprisonment in England is interwoven with all the nuances of political intrigue and jostling for power that characterised 16th century Europe. Antonia Fraser is sympathetic to Mary as a person, and it is this that brings her story alive.
The hard cover version is slightly bigger and easier to read, though the paper back version is very acceptable. Illustrated.
Mary Queen of Scots (Hardcover) - from amazon.co.uk
Mary Queen of Scots (Paperback) - from amazon.co.uk
Mary Queen of Scots (US Paperback) - from amazon.com
Highlanders: A History of the Scottish Clans, Fitzroy MacLean
UK Hardcover - 256 pages (17 August, 1995) Everyman's Library
US Hardcover (September 1995) Penguin Studio;
Traces the history of Highland Clans from "Origins", the time of Robert the Bruce through to "The Irish Connection", and "After Culloden" (1745).
This book has good solid scholarly content and is so well laid-out, colourful and easy to read with plenty of illustrations and photographs, it would make a perfect gift for anyone from age 10 upwards. That is to say, this is a book to get any youngster interested in their Scottish ancestry, and yet will still be a resource for those who think they know a lot already.
Brigadier Sir Fitzroy MacLean of Dunconnel Bt., D.Litt., was made Knight of the Thistle, Scotland's highest order, in 1993.
Highlanders: A History of the Scottish Clans - from amazon.co.uk
Highlanders: A History of the Scottish Clans - from amazon.com
Scotland : A Concise History, Fitzroy MacLean
Paperback 240 pages Revised edition (April 1993) Thames & Hudson
Again, this is a book with an excellent overview of Scottish history. More wide-ranging than the book reviewed above,this is a general history; readable and exciting. Also recommended by Pamela Mackinnon who lives "next door" to the Macleans and writes the monthly article on this web site "Letters from Argyll"
Scotland : A Concise History, Fitzroy MacLean - from amazon.co.uk
Scotland : A Concise History, Fitzroy MacLean - from amazon.com
Scotland's Castles, C.J. Tabraham
Paperback - 128 pages (30 June, 1997) Batsford;
Excellent book about the history of castles built between 12th and 16th centuries. Many photographs, diagrams, and reconstructions illuminate the text which explains Scottish castles changing styles according to latest archaeological finds and field surveys.
I find that the more I visit castles, the more I want to know about the people who built and lived in them, and why did they build them. This book may dispell some preconceptions, it certainly makes visiting castles a richer experience. Illustrated with photographs, old prints, aereal views, details, etc.
The Historic Scotland series is one of the best for architectural history. (Historic Scotland look after Scotland's Historic monuments).
Scotland's Castles - from amazon.co.uk
Possibly not available from - from amazon.com
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