How The Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe’s Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It by Arthur Herman

The Scots have a long and distinguished history, and they have certainly left their mark on our world today. From the invention of the steam engine to the development of the telephone, Scots have contributed significantly to human progress and development. But their achievements have not always been acknowledged, making How The Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe’s Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It an important and timely reminder that the Scots have been instrumental in shaping the modern world.

In this incredible book, author Arthur Herman explores Scotland’s influence on the modern world and how its people have gone from being among the poorest in Western Europe to creating some of the most important technological and scientific innovations of the past two centuries. Herman delves deep into Scottish history, culture and society to paint a vivid and colourful picture of how Scotland emerged from its poor and desperate past to become an influential contributor to the modern world.

Herman takes readers on a journey through Scotland’s past and present by exploring the various Scots who had a hand in creating the modern world. These include chemist and inventor James Watt, scientist and engineer Alexander Graham Bell and politician and reformer William Gladstone. Herman pays special attention to the role of the Presbyterian Church in the development of modern Scotland, illustrating how its influence extended far beyond just spiritual matters and resulted in the birth of capitalism, scientific inquiry, education and other important aspects of modern life.

The book also looks at the contributions of Scots to the industrial revolution, their role in achieving independence from England, and the important role they have had in the formation of the United States. Herman explores the influence of Scots on the world in terms of literature, economics and even ideas such as the welfare state. He reveals the integral role Scots played in the development of the world’s infrastructure and communications systems, as well as the remarkable impact that Scottish inventors had on changing our lives.

Overall, How The Scots Invented the Modern World is an entertaining and informative read that unearths the forgotten history of Scotland and shows how its people played a major role in developing the world we live in today. Each chapter is filled with interesting anecdotes and stories, as well as facts and figures that demonstrate the enormous impact Scots have had on the history and development of the modern world. For anyone interested in discovering the untold story of how Scotland shaped modern life, this is an essential read.