Knopf Guide: Scotland Book

In this guide to Scotland, the reader is shown a history closely intertwined with that of England: a Roman period, followed by the Dark Ages, the Wars of Independence, the rise of the Stuarts and the House of Hanover. Beautiful architectural drawings highlight the extremely rich legacy of Celtic ruins, Anglo-Norman, Gothic, Post Reformation, Geargian and the 19th century Romantic movement styles — and not the least — the Scottish style practiced by Charles Rennie MacKintosh. Scottish traditions such as the tartan dress and clans as well local cuisine are also touched upon.

Fifteen itineraries take the reader through the spectacular landscape of the moor, loch and gorge and into the medieval towns and imposing castle architecture that characterizes the countryside. From the capital of Edinburgh with its impressive castle, palace and Charlotte Square designed by Robert Adam to the dramatic site of the 18th century Blair Castle in Perthshire and Kinross; to Bowhill, the vast estate of the Scotts of Buccleuch on the Scottish Borders; to the beauty of the subtropical gardens on Inverewe in Highland on the west coast; to the town and castle of Inveraray, in Argyll and Bute (the late 18th century decorations of the duke of Argyll are considered outstanding.) From Loch Lomond, 23 miles long, "Queen of the Scottish Lochs" to Glasgow where there is much to see including the Burrell Collection, the great Gothic cathedral, the Hunterian Art Gallery, with its Whistlers and such glorious examples of the architecture of MacKintosh at Hill House and Helensbrugh at the Willow Rooms.

Each Guide takes you fearlessly and efficiently into the heart and culture of the city. Smart, incisive, sharp and sleek, these guides are as practical as they are beautiful.