Celtic Scotland

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

71258

Title

Celtic Scotland

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

W. F. Skene's authoritative history rejects later medieval fabrications to reconstruct the true civil and ecclesiastical origins of early Scotland. Based on Roman, Irish, and Pictish sources, this volume meticulously traces the settlement of Saxons, Scots, and Picts, analyzing their interactions, dynastic struggles, and the establishment of the Kingdom of Alba.

Summary up to 500 words

William F. Skene's *Celtic Scotland* presents a rigorous re-examination of early Scottish history, aiming to replace accepted medieval narratives with facts derived from trustworthy authorities. The text systematically dismantles the artificial histories constructed by John of Fordun and Hector Boece, arguing that their accounts are spurious and unreadable without critical scrutiny. Skene contends that relying on these later chronicles produces an unsatisfactory narrative, whereas a foundation built on scattered notices from Roman writers and early chronicles offers greater historical truth. The work begins by addressing the settlement of the Saxons in Britain, contrasting conflicting traditions found in Gildas, Nennius, Bede, and Procopius regarding dates and events like the arrival of Hengist and Horsa. Skene details the complex political landscape where Britons, Picts, and Scots coexisted and conflicted, often inviting Saxon aid against northern invaders only to face new conquests. A significant portion is dedicated to the Dalriadic colony in Scotland, tracing its evolution from a subject Irish tribe to an independent kingdom under St. Columba's influence. The narrative follows the reigns of kings such as Aidan, Eoganan, and Conall, highlighting the law of tanistry and the strategic alliances with Ireland against the Picts. The text extensively covers the Pictish kingdom, utilizing Irish annals like those of Tighernac and the Ulster Annals to track their kings, battles, and internal conflicts. Skene analyzes specific events, such as the death of Conall in Kintyre and the succession struggles involving figures like Eochach and Alpin. He also explores the religious dimension, discussing the conversion of Picts and Scots, the role of St. Columba at Iona, and the establishment of ecclesiastical seats at Scone. Throughout, Skene emphasizes the difficulty of substituting correct historical facts for long-cherished errors. He provides detailed genealogies, critiques corrupted Latin texts, and cross-references various chronicles to establish a coherent timeline from the Roman era through the rise of the Kingdom of Alba. The volume serves as a foundational text for understanding the ethnology and early civil history of Scotland before the thirteenth century.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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Categories

• Classics
• History