Outlander, Scotland, and a Total History Nerd Fail

I recently read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon for the CAF bookclub. Apart from being a really great read (I know it's long, but I promise it's a fast read), it got me thinking. I know a fair bit of English history, and quite a bit about the time the book is set in, but I hardly know anything about what was going on in the rest of UK, then, or at any point in time predating the first World War.
It's a rather disquieting thought, particularly given how much I love history. While most of my education dealt with modern history, the US, or European monarchies, I had thought my reading was a bit more well rounded. Needless to say, I'm feeling a bit traumatized by this realization. Couple it with the fact I'm going to be in Scotland in a few short months and I'm I'm dire need of way to fix this. Stat.

I'm thinking maybe of trying to get my hands on a copy of 'A Brief History of Great Britain' or perhaps I should check out 'A History of Britain' while stuck in an airport or two. I do have a weakness for documentaries, which is why I'll probably be adding 'The Story of Ireland' or 'A History of Scotland' to the list as well. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm always happy to hear them.

Comments

Teaser Tuesday - April 14th

"My mother would never let the hearth die in her home," Margret said. She felt Agnes turn to look at her, but didn't meet her gaze. "She believed that as long as a light burned in the house, the Devil couldn't get in. Not even during the witching hour." Agnes was quiet. "What do you believe?" she asked eventually. Margret extended her hands towards the flames. "I think a fire is a useful thing to keep a body warm," she said. - Burial Rites by Hannah Kent Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading . For other contributions click here .

Teaser Tuesday - July 29th

Lack of perspective in literature (or in readers) often causes a contemporary condition I've heard referred to as "presentism"; that is, a disposition to judge all literature by the narrow standards of present time and present culture. This leads to the phenomena such as the denunciation of classic novels such as Huckleberry Finn , on grounds that they deal with issues such as slavery, women's civil rights, ect., in a way not consistent with the notion of present-day political correctness. - "Presentism" The Outlandish Companion by Diana Gabaldon Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading . For other contributions click here .

Vancouver 2014: Camping!

Camping is one of those things that's hard to share via picture, moving or still. It's so much about the experience, the stars overhead, the springy soft ground underfoot, the wind on your face, that first pure hint of morning light, meals cooked by fire and ember. Sure there are the stories you tell, the ones around the campfire and down at the lake, and the ones you tell after, but it's not the same. Stories can conjure memories and emotions but they can't make the sun shine or moths fall from overhead lights. Okay, maybe the last one, moths are sneaky, but the rest, these personal moments and experiences, they're a lot harder to convey. I'll leave it at I had an absolutely amazing time, despite the lack of nonrock based floors and comfortable chairs, I would have turned right around and done it again. The lack of technology was restful and the presence of that much nature was restorative. We mostly relaxed but I did get to see some amazing sights...

P&PS

Search This Blog