SCOTLAND HISTORY

The Art of the Picts: Sculpture and Metalwork in Early Medieval Scotland by George Henderson, Isabel Henderson

Publisher's Synopsis
The sculpture and metalwork of the Picts form one of the great enigmas of early medieval art. Marginalized and dismissed for many years by art historians as inchoate and provincial, the large surviving Pictish corpus of cross-slabs, incised stones, and metalwork remained until recently the territory of archaeologists and those bewitched by the mysterious, unfathomable symbols found in so much of the art.Now, drawing upon art historical research and a lifetime of experience, George and Isabel Henderson show how the art of the Picts interacted with the currents of "Insular" art, and was produced by a sophisticated society capable of sustaining large-scale art programs. A masterpiece of scholarship and deduction, the book is illustrated with some 300 photographs and newly commissioned line drawings and maps. Throughout, the authors give strong consideration to the formal qualities and the iconography of the works, illuminating some of the more intractable problems associated with the Picts—not least the meaning of the supposedly "pagan" symbols. With its acute analysis of Insular art and questioning of the function and meaning of Pictish art, this book will be of interest to art historians, archaeologists, and medievalists of all disciplines, and is arguably the most important publication on this subject in over a century. 300 illustrations.

Building a Nation: The Story of Scotland's Architecture by Ranald MacInnes

Publisher's Synopsis
The sculpture and metalwork of the Picts form one of the great enigmas of early medieval art. Marginalized and dismissed for many years by art historians as inchoate and provincial, the large surviving Pictish corpus of cross-slabs, incised stones, and metalwork remained until recently the territory of archaeologists and those bewitched by the mysterious, unfathomable symbols found in so much of the art.Now, drawing upon art historical research and a lifetime of experience, George and Isabel Henderson show how the art of the Picts interacted with the currents of "Insular" art, and was produced by a sophisticated society capable of sustaining large-scale art programs. A masterpiece of scholarship and deduction, the book is illustrated with some 300 photographs and newly commissioned line drawings and maps. Throughout, the authors give strong consideration to the formal qualities and the iconography of the works, illuminating some of the more intractable problems associated with the Picts—not least the meaning of the supposedly "pagan" symbols. With its acute analysis of Insular art and questioning of the function and meaning of Pictish art, this book will be of interest to art historians, archaeologists, and medievalists of all disciplines, and is arguably the most important publication on this subject in over a century. 300 illustrations.

Scotland's Splendid Theatres by Bruce Peter

Publisher's Synopsis
At their best, Scotland's theatres and music halls were unbelievably opulent palaces, whose designs enabled them to transport their patrons to worlds of fantasy. Others were rudimentary halls, ingeniously fashioned from old stables, farm buildings or even industrial premises. From the first wooden booths of the Georgian era, through to modern structures, this is the first book which studies the evolution of theatre buildings in Scotland. Taking us on a tour of Scotland's theatres and drawing on a wide range of sources -from historical accounts and archives to anecdotes from today's stage stars -Bruce Peter has produced a highly entertaining and readable account of all aspects of the design and operation of theatres in Scotland. Illustrated with over eighty photos and etchings, this book is a must for anyone interested in architectural history, the theatre or show business.

Scottish Treasures: Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Scotland by National Gallery of Scotland

Publisher's Synopsis
Founded in 1850, the National Gallery of Scotland is situated in the heart of the capital city of Edinburgh. Its world-class collection embraces art from the early Renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century. This publication illustrates fifty great paintings from the Gallery's collection, including works by major European masters such as Veronese. El Greco, Hals, Watteau, Constable and Delacroix, as well as fine examples of the Scottish School such as Raeburn's magnificent portrait of Macdonell of Glengarry.