Drawing on a great deal of modern scholarship that has redefined the nation's story, Magnus Magnusson vividly re-creates the fascinating history of Scotland, offering the most up-to-date and comprehensive history available today. Magnusson, who received an honorary knighthood for his contributions to the preservation of Scotland's heritage, casts the nation's historical trajectory as a long struggle toward nationhood. He explains the roots of the original Scots and examines the extent to which Scotland was shaped by the Romans, the Picts, the Vikings, and the English. He casts a sober eye on the many deep-seated myths that have developed over the years, assessing their sometimes-questionable credibility while still fully appreciating their importance to the people of Scotland.