Edinburgh: A New History

by Alistair Moffat

Imprint: Birlinn

224 Pages, 5.45 x 8.5 in

Hardcover
9781780279053
December 2024
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$21.95

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Description
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Traces the city’s evolution from a political center to an Enlightenment and arts powerhouse.

From prehistory to the present day, the story of Edinburgh is packed with incident and drama. As Scotland’s capital since 1437, the city has witnessed many of the key events which have shaped the nation. But Edinburgh has always been much more than just a political centre. During the Enlightenment, it was one the intellectual powerhouses of Europe, and in the twentieth century it became the arts capital of the world with the founding of its many festivals. Finance, religion, education and industry are also important parts of the story.

Alistair Moffat explores these themes and many more, showing how the city has grown, changed and adapted over the centuries. He introduces Edinburgh’s famous places and people – including monarchs, murderers, writers and philosophers – as well as the ordinary citizens who have contributed so much to the life of one of the world’s best-known and most beautiful cites.

Alistair Moffat was born and bred in the Scottish Borders. A former Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Director of Programmes at Scottish Television, he now runs the burgeoning Borders Book Festival as well as a production company based near Selkirk. He has written twelve books, including Kelsae, The Reivers, The Sea Kingdoms, The Borders and The Wall, all of which are published by Birlinn.

A very enjoyable book to dip into or to read in one sitting' ~Current Archaeology

a thoroughly readable encapsulation of the history of what for many is the greatest city in the world ... approachable and well-written' ~Ken Lussey, Undiscovered Scotland

an engaging biography of the Scottish capital...Moffat has a real talent for description, ably conjuring vivid images of landscapes and historical events through his words ... A very enjoyable book to dip into or to read in one sitting' ~Past.com

engrossing... with fascinating detail, and storytelling skill... Moffat writes with flair and imagination' ~David Robinson, Books from Scotland

Moffat’s colourful and concise history of the capital covers the best part of a millennium with a light, readable touch' ~Rosemary Goring, The Herald, 10 Books to Read Right Now