Reading original documents is the only way to achieve a sound basis in historical studies and to acquire a true perspective on cultural evolution. Much modern research has been applied to Scotland's history, but until this volume there has been no comprehensive study of the country's handwriting for nearly 250 years. The main body of this book consists of facsimile texts, each facing a detailed transcript and commentary.

The historical background of handwriting usage is surveyed in the introduction, with emphasis on changing fashions. There is also guidance on how to deal with early language and abbreviations. The principal aim is to assist research students, local historians, genealogists and calligraphers in their studies; but this work also recovers a lost chapter in the history of Scottish studies.

About the Author

Dr Grant Simpson, formerly Senior Lecturer, is now Honorary Reader in Scottish History at the University of Aberdeen, and was for many years an Assistant Keeper on the staff of the Scottish Record Office in Edinburgh, where he gained a wide knowledge of the manuscript sources of Scottish history and their handwritings.

Book Information
ISBN 9781906566111
Author Grant G. Simpson
Format Paperback
Page Count 148
Imprint John Donald Short Run Press
Publisher John Donald Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 310g
Dimensions(mm) 250mm * 185mm * 10mm