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How the Scots Invented the Modern World  By  cover art

How the Scots Invented the Modern World

By: Arthur Herman
Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
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Publisher's summary

Who formed the first literate society? Who invented our modern ideas of democracy and free market capitalism? The Scots. As historian and author Arthur Herman reveals, in the 18th and 19th centuries Scotland made crucial contributions to science, philosophy, literature, education, medicine, commerce, and politics - contributions that have formed and nurtured the modern West ever since. This book is not just about Scotland: it is an exciting account of the origins of the modern world. No one who takes this incredible historical trek will ever view the Scots - or the modern West - in the same way again.

©2001 Arthur Herman (P)2016 Recorded Books
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about How the Scots Invented the Modern World

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Informative and very entertaining

The book and the reader of this audiobook were perfectly matched. Every word felt authentic to my ears.
The author did good justice to the modern history of a pivotal people, the Scots.

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Fascinating Scots

I learned so much about the history of a great people and also about how great misfortune and tragedy has led the world to a more enlightened place. Thank you.

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The Scott's are my new favorite people!

I had no idea so many truly great men were Scott, but that's why I listen to audio books. Listening to the narrator get the names and places right makes it easier than trying to read it for my self. I would have liked to hear more about Scott's women and their conrabutions. Behind every great man there are at least half a dozen remarkable women.

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1 person found this helpful

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Too long

Well written, well performed, but too detailed in scottish political and intellectual history. I gave up midway because the question on how scots invented the modern world was taking too long. I never did find out. An abridged version would be more suitable to my interest.

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My Enlightenment

WOW Did not know any of this about my heritage. Now reading Hume, Smith to better understand the background of our country’s founding and the Scottish influence on that.

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A great read (or listen)

I had doubts about the title, but not after finishing the book, which is entirely convincing. It clears up a great deal of questionable mythology about the romance of Scotland, but then makes a totally convincing case for its stunning intellectual achievements. We owe the Scots a great deal.

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Excellent work

Enjoyed it! Thanks!
Great travel in the history of Scotland and the modern world. Love the details!

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Wonderful history lesson

Being of Scottish ancestry I truly enjoyed learning of how Scots have impacted the world. I found the book to be very informative covering several hundred years of history in a fashion that made it easy to understand. I recommend this book to anybody that is trying to learn more about Scotland, it's vast history how it's people have changed the world.

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loved the narration

very interesting book read by a wonderful narrator that brings all the history to life.

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Great narration

Although the author is an American a wise decision was made to employ a Scottish narrator, which is crucial when he reads Scottish quotes, authors and poets. An American accent would have been jarring in those parts. Herman is an excellent historian.

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