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The Highland Clearances

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Highland Clearances is a pioneering study of one of Scotland's most emotive historical episodes. Eric Richards explores the origins and development of the Highland Clearances from the eighteenth century to the crofting legislation of the 1880s. The book reveals how these events were part of a broader European trend of rural depopulation while detailing the harsh conditions endured by the Highland people. Richards provides a balanced analysis, moving beyond mythology to examine the challenging decisions faced by landlords amid rapid economic change and the lasting impact on the Highland and Gaelic community.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is well suited for readers interested in history, particularly Scottish and rural European history, as well as those keen to understand the socio-economic forces shaping cultural identity and land use. It appeals to historians, students, and anyone intrigued by the lasting legacy of the Highland Clearances.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Highland Clearances stands out as one of the most emotive chapters in the history of Scotland. In drawing attention away from the mythology to the hard facts of what actually happened,The Highland Clearancesoffers a balanced analysis of events which created a terrible scar on the Highland and Gaelic imagination.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This is the first documented study of one of Scotland's most emotive subjects for many years. It traces the origins of the Clearances from the eighteenth century to their culmination in the crofting legislation of the 1880s, showing how the process of clearance was part of a wider European movement of rural depopulation.

Eric Richards describes the appalling conditions and treatment suffered by the Highland people, yet at the same time illustrates how difficult the choices were that faced even the most benevolent landlords in the face of rapid economic change.

By drawing attention away from the mythology to the hard facts of what actually happened, The Highland Clearances offers a balanced analysis of events which created a terrible scar on the Highland and Gaelic imagination, the historical legacy of which still lies unresolved in the twenty-first century.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Required reading for those interested in Scottish history, the book is praised for its fearless and comprehensive approach, highlighting its relevance for contemporary issues. Critics commend Eric Richards as a fluent and lucid writer, making complex historical analysis accessible.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780273846

Publisher: Birlinn General

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 June 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Birlinn Ltd

Edition: New edition

Illustration: 8pp b/w plates, maps

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 35.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 195.0mm

Weight: 445g

Pages: 512

About the Author

Eric Richards is Emeritus Professor of History at Flinders University, Australia and previously taught at Stirling University, Scotland. His published work includes an acclaimed biography of Patrick Sellar, which was awarded the prize for Scottish History Book of the Year (1999) by the Saltire Society.

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