Historic Scotland, by David J Breeze
Aptly published at a time of burgeoning national confidence, Historic Scotland: 5000 Years of Scotland's Heritage by David J. Breeze conveys the richness and diversity of the buildings and monuments in the care of the government agency Historic Scotland. Excellent photographs accompanied by brief historical texts chart the legacy of sculptors and masons, engineers and architects over a span of 5,000 years.
Images of castles and cathedrals, towers and standing stones are juxtaposed with distilleries, lighthouses and bridges - the familiar with the less well known. This is an uncomplicated book with a direct message: the story of Scotland is told in its stones; these monuments must be protected.
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Five frankly enormous mansions, including one with its own private swimming lake, as seen in Country LifeSometimes bigger really is better.
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Playing the fool: The rich history of tarot and how it satisfies our desire for transcendenceOnce an elaborate art form that entertained 15th-century Italian nobility, tarot cards have evolved into a tool of divination. A new exhibition shines a light on their history.
