and for a complete change of pace...

[ThistleDown]

"The Poor Had No Lawyers. Who Owns Scotland (and How They Got It)" by Andy Wightman. A Voyage of discovery into Scotland's history to find out how landowners got their hands on the millions of acres of land that were once held in common.

[Tarheel]

I'd rather negotiate than argue, read and learn than be ignorant. I'll look into this book. Any mention on the attire of the period?

[ThistleDown]

It's a difficult read, Tarheel. The 'period' discussed in this book is over 1,000 years. Scotland's land ownership issues are longer than it's written history, in other words, and the attire of any people can't be separated from their land and their society. To understand the evolution of the kilt and Highland dress we need to understand the pressures that caused the kilt of the 21C to still exist. Wightman's work here is just an important contributor to that knowledge.

[Liam]

Perhaps...the ownership of land is such a political issue, that I suggest that it may be a touch controversial to withstand a lengthily debate on this forum. I absolutely agree that any country's history including fashion is tied to economic/political issues that are tied to land ownership.

[Tarheel]

I've never been afraid to delve into a good history lesson. A few in my collection are "The Soong Dynasty" by Sterling Seagrave, (20th century political view of China/American relations) "Blackbeard the Pirate" by Robert E. Lee (not the Confederate general but a Law/History professor in North Carolina) "500 Nations" by Alvin Josephy (history and illustrated account of the indigenous people of North America), and "The Persian Boy" by Mary Renault (Alexander the Great era "historical interpretation"). All give great details of attire and the reasons for the trends (including fashion) that shaped the events of the books subject.

[Tarheel]

I finished three chapters before duties called me away. I will reserve my comments with my (geo-political and historical) friends that will also be interested in the books contents. I agree that this is a well titled thread. Thanks for the recommendation.