This comprehensive textbook synthesizes the latest research on Scotland from 1560-1745, exploring political, social, cultural, religious, and economic themes through sixteen accessible essays that place Scottish history in British, imperial, and global contexts.

Moving beyond familiar topics like Mary Queen of Scots and Jacobite Risings, readers will gain a thorough understanding of early modern Scotland. The sixteen essays are expertly crafted to cover key issues including the Scottish Parliament, Reformation, religious culture, deviance, gender, artistic expression, identity, and colonial ventures. This approach provides both comprehensive coverage of main historical currents and fresh perspectives on specialized research, making complex scholarship accessible and engaging.

Aimed especially at an undergraduate readership which currently lacks an effective primer on the increasingly complex specialist literature, the book will also be of interest to general readers and other non-specialists seeking an authoritative, engaging introduction to the early modern era in Scotland.