The Highland Clearances

John Prebble’s The Highland Clearances is a powerful historical account of one of the most traumatic periods in Scottish history—the forced eviction of Highland communities during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Prebble vividly describes how landowners, driven by economic interests and the shift from traditional clan-based society to commercial sheep farming, displaced thousands of Highlanders from their ancestral lands. The book explores the social, economic, and political forces behind the Clearances, detailing how landlords, government policies, and market forces combined to uproot entire communities. It also highlights the devastating impact on Highland culture, language, and identity, as many displaced Scots were forced to emigrate to North America, Australia, and other parts of the British Empire.

Through eyewitness accounts, letters, and historical records, Prebble presents the Clearances not just as economic changes, but as a profound human tragedy. His narrative is deeply sympathetic to the Highlanders, portraying them as victims of greed and modernization.

Although some historians argue that Prebble’s account is emotionally charged and romanticized, The Highland Clearances remains one of the most influential and widely read books on the subject. It played a significant role in shaping public understanding of the Clearances and their impact on Scotland’s history.

John Prebble: Historian, Novelist, and Screenwriter

John Prebble (1915–2001) was a British-Canadian writer, historian, and screenwriter best known for his works on Scottish history. Born in Middlesex, England, on June 23, 1915, Prebble spent part of his childhood in Saskatchewan, Canada, before returning to Britain. His early experiences shaped his interest in history, nationalism, and storytelling.

During World War II, Prebble served in the British Army, after which he pursued a career in writing. Though not Scottish by birth, he developed a deep fascination with Scotland’s history after learning about the hardships faced by Highlanders. His interest was sparked while researching for a novel, but it soon became a lifelong passion. He was particularly drawn to the themes of displacement, struggle, and betrayal that defined events like the Highland Clearances and the Jacobite uprisings.

He became widely recognized for his meticulously researched and evocative historical works, particularly those focusing on Scotland. His most famous books include The Highland Clearances (1963), Culloden (1961), and Glencoe (1966), which explored the struggles and tragedies of the Scottish people. These works played a key role in reviving public interest in Scotland’s past, particularly the hardships faced by the Highlanders.

In addition to his historical writing, Prebble was an accomplished novelist and screenwriter. He co-wrote the script for Zulu (1964), a classic war film about the Anglo-Zulu War. His ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling storytelling made his works both educational and engaging.

John Prebble continued writing well into his later years, leaving behind a significant legacy in historical literature. He passed away on January 30, 2001, but his works remain influential in shaping modern perspectives on Scottish history.

John Prebble's works on Scotland, particularly Culloden, The Highland Clearances, and Glencoe, have been both praised and critiqued by nationalist historians and politicians. Many Scottish nationalists regard his books as pivotal in reviving interest in Scotland’s past, particularly in highlighting the suffering of the Highlanders and the role of British authority in their displacement. His vivid, often emotional storytelling has been credited with reinforcing a sense of historical injustice and fueling discussions about Scottish identity and independence. However, some critics argue that Prebble, as an English-born historian, presented a somewhat romanticized and dramatic interpretation of events, sometimes emphasizing victimhood over the complexities of political and economic factors. Despite this, his work remains widely read and influential, shaping nationalist perspectives on Scotland’s history and its relationship with the British state.

 

Historical Works on Scotland:

• Culloden (1961) – A detailed account of the 1746 battle that ended the Jacobite uprising.
• The Highland Clearances (1963) – Examines the forced displacement of Highland communities.
• Glencoe: The Story of the Massacre (1966) – Chronicles the betrayal and massacre of Clan MacDonald in 1692.
• Mutiny: Highland Regiments in Revolt 1743–1804 (1975) – Looks at Highland soldiers' resistance in the British Army.
• The Lion in the North: A Personal View of Scotland’s History (1971) – A broad history of Scotland.
• The Darien Disaster (1968) – The story of Scotland’s failed colonial venture in Panama.
• The King's Jaunt: George IV in Scotland, August 1822 (1988) – Analyzes the king’s visit and its impact on Scottish identity.

Novels:

• The Edge of Darkness (1952)
• My Great-Aunt Appearing Day (1958)
• Flame in the Wind (1961)
• The High Girders (1956) – A non-fiction novel about the Tay Bridge disaster.
• Spanish Stirrup (1954)

Non-Fiction and Other Works:

• John Prebble’s Scotland (1980) – A collection of essays on Scottish history.
• Landscapes and Memories: An Intermittent Autobiography (1993) – His memoir, reflecting on his writing and experiences.

 

A fair copy of the 1st edition of this important work with an original dustcover with some fraying around the edges and on folds and some tape repairs. Inside the pages are bright and clean throughout.

 

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