Stone Voices: The Search for Scotland

Journalist and historian Ascherson (Black Sea, The King Incorporated) takes a close look at his native country--its history, its landscape, its populace, its aspirations for independence--in this richly textured portrait of a nation""at home in hard, stony times."" For many, thanks to Braveheart, Scotland may conjure images of William Wallace crying freedom. But Hollywood drama aside, Ascherson's examination of Scottish movements for sovereignty, both political and cultural, and Scots' concerns for equality and popular rights during their turbulent history show how such a spirit rings true today. Culminating with the passage of the referendum establishing Scotland's first modern Parliament, Ascherson's account offers vivid scenes from the author's cross-country promotional campaign and intimate details of a nation's doubts and faith in the face of great political change. Ascherson investigates the elements that have shaped Scotland's oft-debated history as he meets them face to face, including emigration, religious and racial intolerance, regionalist feuds and influences, bilingualism and the abundant interpretations and reinterpretations of what is considered""authentic"" history. Ascherson also pays close attention to the Scottish geology--with its shallow, wind-thrashed soil and barren, boulder-filled valleys--that makes it a beautiful but difficult land for its people to inhabit. An enlightening read, Ascherson's volume will encourage readers to attend to Scotland's future, as well as to the forces that affect their own freedoms.