Before Scotland: The Story of Scotland Before History

Excellent book if you’re curious about Scotland from the very beginning.

A very well written book of the early times of the UK peoples starting around 1 BC/AD. Would have loved to have seen a little more of the pre- Roman/Christian era, but loved the details of Doggerland and some of the others. It was very entertaining with the usual history, archaeological material, and battles here and there. More, interesting was the personal stories of the many brave, prideful, and often foolish men who gave their lives to make the Scotland we love today. It has beautiful and romantic descriptions of the Highlands, lochs, and people. Made me sooo want to be there, smell the sea air, to see and smell the lovely heather, and to visit with the descendants of these strong, self reliant, Scottish people.

This is a good review of what's known about the prehistory of Scotland. Lots of speculation about what the rocks, ruins, and bones all mean. The author is a good stylist and he'll draw you into his imagined world of the early settlers. You won't read this in one sitting, but in small doses it is quite engaging.

If one is interested in pre-history, this book is interesting. Received it on time and in good condition from seller. Reading makes stay at home time go by easier, especially with well written & informative books like this one.

Before Scotland is decidedly the best pre-Scotland history of the region that became Scotland that I have ever read. The author narrates the story as if he were talking just to the reader but he gives more documentation than other authors I have read. It was extremely interesting for me and gave me connections of events and people that I had not been aware of before. It was an altogether delightful read. It is a book that I will treasure and keep as a reference book for the future

I have been looking for books on Scotland history that were more up to date with the latest ideas of the Pics and history. I really enjoyed reading this book because of its thorough examples of sights found and examples of comaprative people and places. The book is easy to read without making the past complicated and stating what life may have been like. I know wihtout really being there and having written record we can only go on what is left behind to tell the story.

I devoured this book for its insights into a period of history hard to lern about: pre-Roman scotland. I left very very informed. Some of the negative reviews have noted that it drifts some, both in terms of subject matter and style. But after you read the first few chapters (which are solid) it is easy to skip through subjects you are not as interested and home in those you are.

I can always count on Author Alistair Moffat for both an entertaining and Scholarly book. Before Scotland takes the reader on a trip back to the earliest time recorded in Scotland. Both shipping and handling were very good.

An excellently written, up-to-date take on current thinking about our ancient pre-history. It may be all about, as the sub-title says, 'before' Scotland but it is still 'Scottish' pre-history. It can't quite get five stars because it contains an inevitable amount of speculation based on current and patchy knowledge/academic theory - which will inexorably change, if perhaps only slightly, over the period of this edition's availability - but a jolly good read, otherwise. Should make you think. I liked it.

Informative and still up-to-date.Useful to read for historic perspective, especially at a time of change.Would recommend both this book, and the DVD, available separately,  Before ScotlandBefore Scotland

Fantastic! A whistlestop tour de force around 10000 years of history written in a warm and wry manner that cannot help but engage. I read it in a couple of days as I could not put it down and intend to read it again as soon as my friend finishes it and gives it back.Moffat's approach to history is refreshing and you don't have to be interested in Scotland particularly to get a lot out of the book. Brilliant.

This book is well written. It is very interesting and easy to read through.Would certainly recommend this book as it gives a very good and clear insight into Scotland's history.

Brilliant book