Scotland's Global Empire

A Chronicle of Great Scots

Nonfiction, History, British, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Scotland's Global Empire by Jock Gallagher, Whittles Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jock Gallagher ISBN: 9781849951258
Publisher: Whittles Publishing Publication: November 6, 2013
Imprint: Whittles Publishing Language: English
Author: Jock Gallagher
ISBN: 9781849951258
Publisher: Whittles Publishing
Publication: November 6, 2013
Imprint: Whittles Publishing
Language: English

Scotland's Global Empire is one journalist's tribute to some of the lesser-known great Scots and their contribution to the world. Jock Gallagher was encouraged in his epic enterprise by a quote from Voltaire: We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation. ‘Voltaire may have over-egged the pudding but in many areas, I believe, our small nation has punched well above its weight and has earned this generous compliment,’ says Gallagher. Is that a fine conceit, an extravagant claim or perhaps a journalist talking in headlines? You will have to read the book to find out! Written over five years, this engrossing and enlightening book stretches to over a quarter of a million words and is a fast, pacy read as it races through the exploits and achievements of an astonishing gallery of the Scots who make up his Scottish Empire. Gallagher is quick to disassociate himself from other empire models. ‘It's not an empire of colonisation that diminishes or enslaves those whom it embraces. It involves neither the greed nor ruthlessness so often inherent in empire-building. It's an empire that breaks down barriers rather than creates ownership and, it can be claimed, enhances civilisation.’ Although household names such as Andrew Carnegie, Alexander Graham Bell, John Logie Baird and Charles Rennie Mackintosh are mentioned to underpin the strength and breadth of the Empire, only abbreviated reminders of their well-known achievements are shown. It's not a recital of the adventures of conquering heroes, although some are included. It's more an outreach of ideas, the story of human endeavour in its many forms … pushing at the boundaries of the imagination and stretching the accepted order. It encompasses everything from the spirit of pioneering to the mystical qualities of leadership. ‘It's luckily not dependent on a seat of power and nor is it affected by the bruising arguments about Scotland's place within the UK or as an independent state.’ Gallagher brings together an astonishing array of characters who may not have made headlines but are essential elements in his illusory empire with a heady mix of extraordinary vision, creativity, energy, leadership, diplomacy, skill, artistry, sometimes pure genius and, more often, downright doggedness.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Scotland's Global Empire is one journalist's tribute to some of the lesser-known great Scots and their contribution to the world. Jock Gallagher was encouraged in his epic enterprise by a quote from Voltaire: We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation. ‘Voltaire may have over-egged the pudding but in many areas, I believe, our small nation has punched well above its weight and has earned this generous compliment,’ says Gallagher. Is that a fine conceit, an extravagant claim or perhaps a journalist talking in headlines? You will have to read the book to find out! Written over five years, this engrossing and enlightening book stretches to over a quarter of a million words and is a fast, pacy read as it races through the exploits and achievements of an astonishing gallery of the Scots who make up his Scottish Empire. Gallagher is quick to disassociate himself from other empire models. ‘It's not an empire of colonisation that diminishes or enslaves those whom it embraces. It involves neither the greed nor ruthlessness so often inherent in empire-building. It's an empire that breaks down barriers rather than creates ownership and, it can be claimed, enhances civilisation.’ Although household names such as Andrew Carnegie, Alexander Graham Bell, John Logie Baird and Charles Rennie Mackintosh are mentioned to underpin the strength and breadth of the Empire, only abbreviated reminders of their well-known achievements are shown. It's not a recital of the adventures of conquering heroes, although some are included. It's more an outreach of ideas, the story of human endeavour in its many forms … pushing at the boundaries of the imagination and stretching the accepted order. It encompasses everything from the spirit of pioneering to the mystical qualities of leadership. ‘It's luckily not dependent on a seat of power and nor is it affected by the bruising arguments about Scotland's place within the UK or as an independent state.’ Gallagher brings together an astonishing array of characters who may not have made headlines but are essential elements in his illusory empire with a heady mix of extraordinary vision, creativity, energy, leadership, diplomacy, skill, artistry, sometimes pure genius and, more often, downright doggedness.

More books from Whittles Publishing

Cover of the book Dive Truk Lagoon by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Great British Shipwrecks by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book The Mountains Look on Marrakech by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Gone Wild by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Wreck, Rescue and Salvage by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book 349 Views of Scotland by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Kirkcudbright's Prince of Denmark by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Connexions by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book The Mariner's Trilogy by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book My Arctic Summer by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Underwater Potholer by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Palm Oil and Small Chop by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Seton Gordon's Scotland by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book Big Cats by Jock Gallagher
Cover of the book The UN's Lone Ranger by Jock Gallagher
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy