3 Review(s)

This is a magisterial work of Scots military history. The Scottish soldier has been at war for over 2000 years. This illustrated pean to his rich heritage explores both the detail of battles and the cultural history of war, devoting eight separate chapters to 'The Cultural and Physical Dimensions' of Scottish military involvement. The volume in its entirety (over 900 pages) offers readers an unparalleled insight into the evolution of the Scottish military tradition. Accompanied by over 100 black and white illustrations and stunning colour plates, the individual chapters trace Scotland's military story from pre-history to the recent conflict in Afghanistan. Edited by leading military historians, and featuring contributions from thirty scholars, they explore the role of warfare in the emergence of a Scottish kingdom, the forging of a Scottish-British military identity, and the participation of Scots in Britain's imperial and world wars.Eschewing a narrow definition of military history, this prize-winning volume, now available in paperback, pays due attention to dimensions such as Scottish military dress and music, as well as the role of the Scottish soldier in art and literature, Scotland's fortifications and battlefield archaeology, and Scotland's military memorials and museum collections.