[BOOKS] Scots Who Enlightended the World, Ferguson. Martin Belk, ed./publisher

Scotland’s Enlightenment Re-Emerges in the Present

Scots Who Enlightended the World, by Andrew Ferguson

Edited/published by Martin Belk

“...this excellent chronicle of achievement should be mandatory reading for today’s teenagers. An outstanding tribute to the great Scots of the past, and an incredible inspiration to the —Shari Low, DAILY RECORD

“Enjoy reading Andrew Ferguson’s observations about these extraordinary figures in Scottish history.” —Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland

The Scottish Enlightenment, absolutely pertinent today: Some of the most exciting, creative, and scientifically important discoveries which are fundamental to our lives today originated in Scotland as a result of the Scottish Enlightenment. What do television, pneumatic tyres, steam ships, the telephone, the women’s movement and antibiotics have in common? If you drive a car, have an operation, use a mobile ‘phone, wear a raincoat or survive the ‘flu — you’ve benefited from the work of an enlightened Scot.

Andrew Ferguson’s new book, Scots Who Enlightened the World, brings a fresh look to a not-so-old period of time in Scotland. Instead of the dense, hard-to-grasp theory of The Enlightenment in text books, Ferguson breaks it all down into enjoyable, informative stories of the people behind the history.

Introduced by First Minister Alex Salmond, the book is beautifully illustrated with colourful artwork from the National Galleries of Scotland, original drawings by artist Matt Collier, contemporary photography by Thomas Haywood, and highlighted with the contemporary sculpture of artist Eduardo Paolozzi. Scots Who Enlightened the World is further complimented by extensive historical images and easy to follow timelines: the faces of the Scottish Enlightenment come forth and engage. From the well- known — Burns, Watt, Hume, Scott and Adam Smith — to equally vital figures like Henry Home, Mary Somerville and John Buchan — all spring to life within Ferguson’s pages.

Captivating relationships, friendships and personal bonds formed with courage, integrity and creative passion emerge: the close relationship between Alexander Graham Bell and Helen Keller which culminated in the miraculous new ability of the blind to see and the deaf to hear; Robert Fergusson, the ‘ill-fated genius’ who was the inspiration for Burns’ Scottish poems; and the unlikely generations of the future.”

Five years in production, yet some fifty years in the making, Ferguson was originally inspired to learn more of these remarkable men and women when searching with his Father through the kirk yard at Balquhidder for their family graves. Scot’s Who Enlightened the World is written as a conduit for enthusiasts, amateur historians and young people alike — identifying the ideas that can still inspire new generations to tackle the challenges of today’s society, and beyond.

Polwarth Scotland • ISBN 978-0-9574356-0-5

Published: 10 APRIL 2013

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18213884-scots-who-enlightened-the-world