The Mark of the Scots: Their Astonishing Contributions to History, Science, Democracy, Literature

by Duncan A. Bruce

Book Overview

Here is an entertaining celebration of the achievements of people of Scottish descent. Scottish accomplishments throughout history in every field of endeavor--from science to the arts to politics to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806520604
• ISBN13: 9780806520605
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Citadel Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Enjoyable, fast-paced and detailed

Aptly sub-titled "[the Scots] astonishing contributions to History, Science Democracy, Literature and the Arts," in little more than 350 pages, Mr. Bruce presents a well documented, enlightening and enjoyable compendium of Scottish achievement in a fast-paced, rat-a-tat fashion. This is a user-friendly guide to the formidable multi-faceted impact Scottish thought, emotion and effort had on the culture, sciences, and arts in the world. I was surprised at how often I found myself saying "I didn't know that!" during my reading this book. It's impossible not to be moved by the breadth of Scottish contributions and the many lessons one can learn from them. Regardless of whether you read this book for pleasure or as a starting point for research --its copious footnotes and citations are an excellent starting point-- in the end, you'll find Duncan Bruce's "Mark of the Scots" a worthwhile read. And since the chapters are fairly independent of one another you can read them in any order you like. The phrase "If it ain't Scottish, it's crap!" has become a cartoon catchphrase. But after reading "The Mark of the Scots", the breadth of Scottish accomplishment will be more than a mocking pop culture reference.

Why did it take so long?

Modesty must be an ethnic trait. For centuries no one trumpeted the extraordinary characteristics and achievements of this island race. There were few parades, few national days, few public reflections on our own remarkable "crowd". Now it is done. Bravo Mr. Bruce!

The best thing I've read in years.

This is the definitive book on Scottish achievement. An exhaustive research, but entertainingly written. A must! And a bargain for any one of Scottish blood.

Makes me proud to be a scot!

Duncan A Bruce has written an eminently readable book that will surely appeal to even those of non-scots extraction.To those of us who are scots,this fact-filled,yet fluid book gives us cause for immense pride.The list of Scottish achievements is simply unbelieveable.Highly recommended.