How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It,   ISBN:9780609809990

Customer Rating: 

This history of the transformation of Scotland from the turn of the century in 1700 has amazing parallels to what's going on in the United States now. The time was full of violent disagreements between political factions, and outrageous accusations of impending peril. The changes Scotland went through as it gave up independence and assumed its role as part of Great Britain were monumental, but as change took its toll and a new economy developed, Scotland developed economically and socially. The struggle and the evolution were astounding. This is a worthwhile read as we all wrestle with change in the United States today.

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As non-biased reader (no Scottish roots or ties), I found this a good book. Its coverage of the Scottish Enlightenment is excellent - and this is the best part of the book. He covers both the individuals and their theories very well and its highly readable. However, after he moves on from the Enlightenment, it becomes quite tenuous. Claiming the Scots were responsible for the British Empire, America and Canada is a little bit of a stretch? Also, this book can be a bit of a heavy read at times.

Customer Rating: 

This is fascinating. So much research must have gone into this.It covesr from ancient times right up through today, how a poor and small nation could have such an impact on our world. It is written in an engaging style. It is a good companion to Thomas Cahill's How the Irish Saved Civilization.

Customer Rating: 

A very interesting book; well researched and presented. It may not be the most exciting reading, but contains meaningful information and insights, especially to those of Scottish heritage. It gives historical explanations for cultural values and attitudes whose background had not been clearly understood, i.e., ingrained sense of almost compulsive independence, distrust of government, incredible work ethic, familial loyalty, etc. The concept of the Scots as inventors of the modern world may seem arrogant to others but the facts are interesting and mostly beyond dispute.

Customer Rating: 

Heads up - I'm Scottish, so I have a vested interest in this book.....

I actually got this book mistaking it for another title (there's one that talks about some of the major inventions that Scot's have been involved in - it would surprise you.........).

I've had the book for about 2 months now and I'm about 200 pages in. While it is an interesting book - I've learned quite a few interesting things about my history - it's heavy and slow going.

Unless you have a genuine deep seated reason for reading this - like me - this isn't going to be a book for a casual, throw away, "beach" type read.