How the Scots Invented the Modern World The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World Andeverything in It

9780609606353

0609606352

"Parts of this book are excellent. As a general introduction to the Scottish thinkers of the 18th century and to the subsequent activities of the Scottish diaspora, it is sensible and measured. Unfortunately, the author does not know when to stop. In rightly praising the Scots for their remarkable achievements, he wants to make them responsible for everything....Does this kind of distortion matter? Isn't this book just a harmless wallow in self-congratulation for those of Scottish descent? Yes, it does matter and no, it isn't harmless. Pandering to prejudice is always dangerous, especially in an age when harmless patriotism is giving way to an uglier xenophobia all over Europe. The Scots have much to be proud of. Claiming more for them than they deserve is unworthy, and serves the interests of Scotsmen worst of all."