The Thistle and the Rose

The thorny relationship between the thistle and the rose has been central to our history since the first attempt at dynastic union -'the Rough Wooing' - between Margaret Tudor and James IV. Their great-grandson bought the nations together under a single monarch. A hundred years later in 1707 the Treaty of Union was to link their destinies until the loosening of ties at the end of the twentieth century when the Scots opted for devolution. This compelling narrative is peopled with some of the greatest figures in history from Bonnie Prince Charlie and Butcher Cumberland to Dr Johnson and James Boswell to Adam Smith and William Pitt. The nineteenth century saw Glasgow become the second city of the British Empire and Queen Victoria launch the cult of Scotland especially of the Highlands. The two world wars united the countries ever closer only for the long story of devolution to begin. Margaret Thatcher's role in this growing disillusionment is analysed for the first time. In revealing how the two nations have seen and influenced each other, Allan Massie questions whether this historic and powerful union can survive. This inspiring narrative will unsettle received wisdom on this most fa