Publisher Description

McHardy presents a new approach to history, changing our mindset to look at Scotland as the centre of our story. Rather than starting from the Mediterranean, from the classical/Christian bias we have been taught for centuries. Rather than being a remote dark land populated by barbaric tribes. Perhaps we were the centre of a well-organised civilisation around the Orkneys and islands and coasts and rivers, with our own priorities, community-centred, locally self-sufficient, well-versed in lore of all kinds.Who were/are we? The great centres of ritual in Orkney, Lewis and Kilmartin suggest an indigenous population much more sophisticated in terms of social ritual and communal rule than we have been led to believe. In whose interest is it that we accept the classical/Christian version of history relayed to us by monks? These are some of the questions McHardy addresses in a passionate and accessible style. Read and become more Alba-centric in terms of what we see as important to research, study and understand.

Flap

McHardy presents a new approach to history, changing our mindset to look at Scotland as the centre of our story. Rather than starting from the Mediterranean, from the classical/Christian bias we have been taught for centuries. Rather than being a remote dark land populated by barbaric tribes. Perhaps we were the centre of a well-organised civilisation around the Orkneys and islands and coasts and rivers, with our own priorities, community-centred, locally self-sufficient, well-versed in lore of all kinds. Who were/are we? The great centres of ritual in Orkney, Lewis and Kilmartin suggest an indigenous population much more sophisticated in terms of social ritual and communal rule than we have been led to believe. In whose interest is it that we accept the classical/Christian version of history relayed to us by monks? These are some of the questions McHardy addresses in a passionate and accessible style. Read and become more Alba-centric in terms of what we see as important to research, study and understand.

Author Biography

STUART MCHARDY is a writer, historical scholar, poet, musician, folklorist and renowned lecturer about Scottish history and culture, at home as well as abroad. His unique understanding of tradition comes from a thorough immersion in the storytelling arts and history alike. Former President of the Pictish Arts Society and the Director of the Scots Language Resource Centre, McHardy has occupied lead positions with organisations working towards the aim of rediscovering Scottish national identity.

Review

In the last few years the battle for Scotland's future has led some to argue that Scotland, apparently unique among nations, has misplaced its present because it has been reliving an 'inaccurate' past, a mythical version of itself. This is quite ridiculous given that all nations relive an inaccurate and mythical version of their past. Stuart McHardy looks for the roots of Scotland's future by digging through its past. I suspect this book will make many people question what they currently assume. - ROBIN McALPINE

Review Quote

In the last few years the battle for Scotland's future has led some to argue that Scotland, apparently unique among nations, has misplaced its present because it has been reliving an 'inaccurate' past, a mythical version of itself. This is quite ridiculous given that all nations relive an inaccurate and mythical version of their past. Stuart McHardy looks for the roots of Scotland's future by digging through its past. I suspect this book will make many people question what they currently assume. ROBIN McALPINE

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