Collins Little Books - Scottish Castles


Book Description

Historical background and architectural details are given for each of the nearly 140 Scottish castles. Includes the major sites of Edinburgh and Stirling, and covers from as far north as Shetland to as far south as Dumfries and Galloway, west as far as the Outer Hebrides, and east to Aberdeenshire. Contains an introduction on Scotland's castles, with a history description of classification of building type with examples. Includes details on the property's custodianship, whether cared for by Historic Environment Scotland or the National Trust for Scotland, a description of the gardens where relevant, location, website, and phone number.




The Little Book of Scotland


Book Description

The Little Book of Scotland is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Discover the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Geoff Holder's latest book contains historic and contemporary trivia including such gems as the real story of William 'Braveheart' Wallace, which king was murdered in a barn, and where the Second World War Commandos were formed. From Sir Walter Scott to Sir Sean Connery and Queen Victoria to Mary Queens of Scots, this is a remarkably engaging little book, essential reading for visitors and Scots alike.




Scottish Castles: Scotland’s most dramatic castles and strongholds (Collins Little Books)


Book Description

A handy guide to nearly 140 of Scotland’s most dramatic castles and strongholds, all of which are open to the public. Optimised for colour tablets. The images in this ebook are not suitable for viewing on black and white e-ink devices.




The Little Book of Scotland


Book Description

Land of spectacular landscapes, rich history and fabulous legends. With its jaw-dropping beauty, magnificent architecture, superb art and culture, and friendly, hospitable people, Scotland is consistently ranked as one of the world's best-loved destinations. Packed full of fabulous facts, as well as wise and witty quotes from famous Scots, The Little Book of Scotland captures the nation at its glorious best. Covering everything from sparkling lochs and brooding castles to spellbinding legends and famous sons and daughters – not to mention tartan, haggis and whisky – it's a wonderful celebration of this vibrant, extraordinary land. 'This is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.' - Alexander McCall Smith, on Edinburgh 'There are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter.' - Billy Connolly The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the largest performing arts festivals in the world. It attracts over 300,000 people annually. Scotland has more than 790 islands, 94 of which are inhabited. One of its most famous and spectacular is the enchanting Isle of Skye. It is the second-biggest island, though it has more sheep than people. Scotland's national dish is the much-loved haggis. It is made with the heart, liver and lungs of a sheep, which are boiled in the animal's stomach.




The Little Book of Mary Queen of Scots


Book Description

Mary Queen of Scots is perhaps one of the most controversial and divisive monarchs in regal history. Her story reads like a particularly spicy novel, with murder, kidnap, adultery, assassination and execution. To some she is one of the most wronged women in history, a pawn used and abused by her family in the great monarchical marriage game; to others, a murderous adulteress who committed regicide to marry her lover and then spent years in captivity for the crime, endlessly plotting the demise of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England. This book covers the breathtaking scope of her amazing life and examines the immense cultural legacy she left behind, from the Schiller play of the 1800s to The CW teen drama Reign. Temptress, terrorist, or tragic queen, this book will give you the lowdown on one of history's most misunderstood monarchs.




A Little Book of Advent


Book Description

Read a page of English every day in December! Learn about the history of Christmas, Christmas songs, British Christmas traditions, Christmas fairy tales, and do some puzzles. The book is written for English learners at CEFR level B1. Jeden Tag erfahren Sie etwas Interessantes über Weihnachten, über Historisches und britische Traditionen, lesen Sie Weihnachtsmärchen oder lösen Sie Rätsel. Das Buch eignet sich für Englischl Lernende auf dem Niveau GER B1.




Scottish Castles


Book Description

Gazetteer of over 500 hundred surviving Scottish Castles. Discover the castles of Scotland, from early "motte and bailey" earthworks and impressive walled enclosures to the many tower houses that dot the landscape. Castles were built in increasing numbers from the 14th to the 17th century, as residences for the Scottish nobility. Some are still proudly occupied; others are well-maintained ruins; many others slowly decay in fields and farmyards. Here, Adrian Pettifer provides a brief account of every Scottish castle to survive in a reasonable state of preservation, including such iconic sites as Edinburgh, Glamis and Cawdor. Each of the more than five hundred main entries provides a brief history and description of a castle, followed by advice on accessibility, sources for further reading and cross-references to related sites. An introduction supplies the historical background, while a glossary covers all aspects of Scottish castles in some detail. Ordnance Survey references are given in the index.




A Little Book of Scottish Castles


Book Description

The castles exemplify most periods and styles; from the stone castles and Byzantine influenced fortresses of the 12th and 13th centuries to the impressive edifices of the 16th century. Illustrated throughout.




The Little Book of Antrim


Book Description

Did You Know? Overlooking Ballymena, Slemish Mountain was believed to be the first home of St Patrick in Ireland. His footprint is said to be indented in a stone close to Skerry churchyard. The 'sport' of rat racing thrived on the shores of Lough Neagh in the 1960s, with the annual championships taking place in Norman Wilson's bar in the main street of Crumlin. In January 1998, a 16-year-old Glengormley schoolgirl became one of the youngest National Lottery millionaires when she picked up £1,055,101 for choosing the six winning numbers. The Little Book of Antrim is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about County Antrim. Here you will find out about Antrim's people and places, its business and industry, its spectacular coasts and glens and its proud sporting heritage. Across quaint villages and bustling towns, this book takes the reader on a journey through County Antrim and its vibrant past. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this ancient county.




Little Book of Scottish Clans


Book Description

Provides an account of some of the commonest Scottish names; it sheds light on their historical origins, gives indications of their geographical distribution and provides details of prominent family members. Includes clan tartans.