Edwardian Scotland: Photographing the Birth of the Modern World

by Jane Thomas

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Book cover for Edwardian Scotland

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A new century had only just begun when the death of Britain's figurehead Queen laid a black shroud across an Empire. The Victorian era - over 60 years of relentless progress and mighty endeavour - gave way to the reign of Edward VII, the debonair, dilettante King. The Edwardians are often portrayed as a generation exhausted by the exertions of the nineteenth century, heading indolent and carefree towards the horrors of the Great War. Yet nothing can be further from the truth. Victorian energy created the many building blocks of the modern world, but it was the Edwardians who truly integrated them into everyday life, ushering in a period of unprecedented social upheaval. The early 1900s marked the beginning of the 'People's Century', bringing politics, science and technology to the masses. Edwardian Scotland was characterised by this historical turbulence. In a few short years, the 'Golden Age' of the country house gave way to the sale, dispersal and destruction of the Scottish estates. Amidst the incredible manufacturing clamour of industrial Glasgow, a worker army was banding together as a political movement demanding votes for all men.


With a new age came the freedom to explore new ideas - the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh emerged from the Arts and Crafts movement, revolutionising design and pioneering the beginnings of Modernism. In this unique and largely unseen collection of period photography, the vibrancy of a time which saw the birth of the modern world is brought to life in vivid detail. From the arrival of the motorcar to the massed spectators of the racecourse, and from the exotic sights of the Indian subcontinent to the rash optimism of the mobilisation for War, Edwardian Scotland is an unparalleled photographic vision of a remarkable period in our history.
  • ISBN13 9781902419770
  • Publish Date 1 January 2001
  • Publish Status Cancelled
  • Publish Country GB
  • Publisher Historic Environment Scotland
  • Imprint Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Scotland
  • Format Hardcover
  • Pages 224
  • Language English