The Shortest History of Scotland by Murray Pittock

 The Shortest History of Scotland by Murray Pittock-205 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/4

From clan castles and conflict to Hadrian's Wall and BrexitScotland is one of the oldest nations in Europe. Its territory has remained fundamentally unchanged since the fifteenth century, and its southern border with England has barely altered– with the exception of Berwick and a few square kilometres of 'debatable' land – since 1237. And yet Scotland – a country with a global brand – is not a state at all. The Shortest History of Scotland argues that its very ambiguity is what has made the nation a central part of the global story.

Starting at the very beginning with a Scotland before Scotland – a tribal society connected closely by sea to Ireland, before becoming a place defined by being the part of an island beyond the Roman wall – Pittock ranges with dazzling expertise through the defining episodes of Scottish history up to the present.

Thoughts: Pittock weaves a compelling narrative of Scotland's history from the Roman era to present day. I learned more than simply facts and dates (although I did learn a bit of that). I also learned about the social history of Scotland and what it means to be Scottish (both historically and in modern times). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a great overview of Scottish history.

A Pocket History of Scotland by Blair Millar

 A Pocket History of Scotland by Blair Millar-256 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was a fast-paced, informative, but brief look at the history of Scotland. I enjoy reading about the history of places I visit. It could have been a bit more informative, which is why I didn't give it 5 stars, but it was still a good, if short, read. I learned some of the info. in the book from the tour director on the recent tour I took.

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century Graphic Edition by Timothy Snyder and Nora Krug

 On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century Graphic Edition by Timothy Snyder and Nora Krug-128 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've heard a lot about this book and its lessons. I saw this at the bookstore and decided to give it a read. It is a very powerful call to resist tyranny. It is a manual on how to spot the signs of tyranny and how one can do one's part to resist. The lessons are very practical and simple to follow. I have already been doing some of these things, but I plan to do all of these. 

I would recommend that anyone who is concerned about tyranny to read this book, whether the graphic edition or the first print edition. 

The Northwomen by Heather Pringle

 The Northwomen by Heather Pringle-336 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Many books have been published about the Vikings, but few have focused on the women. This is a good look at the various roles Northwomen played in Viking society. At least a few bucked the norms and were warriors, voyagers, and traders. Archaeological evidence has been discovered of a potentially prominent Viking warrior woman buried in Birka. It was originally assumed to be a male, but more thorough research revealed it to be a female. I found this book to be very informative and enjoyed reading it. 

ON TYRANNY: TWENTY LESSONS FROM THE TWENTIETH CENTURY by TIMOTHY SNYDER

 ON TYRANNY: TWENTY LESSONS FROM THE TWENTIETH CENTURY by TIMOTHY SNYDER 126 Pgs

The Founding Fathers tried to protect us from the threat they knew, the tyranny that overcame ancient democracy. Today, our political order faces new threats, not unlike the totalitarianism of the twentieth century. We are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience.

On Tyranny is a call to arms and a guide to resistance, with invaluable ideas for how we can preserve our freedoms in the uncertain years to come.

Interesting and easy read.