Christopher Harvie, one of the country's leading historians and political writers, discusses the Scottish land, people, and culture in a gripping narrative. Scotland: A Short History, presents a clear history of Scotland from prehistoric times until the present day, ranging from the shaping of the kingdom, medieval Scotland, reformation and dual monarchy, union and enlightenment to industrialization and the massive changes witnessed in the twentieth century. He deals mercilessly with old cliches, and applies the results of new research, placing recent developments within a historical and cultural context.