Restoring Medieval Edinburgh in the Nineteenth Century

This richly illustrated book advances understanding of the formation of urban and national identities. It does so through a detailed analysis of how the modern shapes, functions, and symbolism of iconic historic buildings such as Edinburgh Castle emerged from the contested efforts of major groups and leading individuals. A final instalment of the distinguished publications of the late Bob Morris, completed through the efforts of his daughter and widow, Restoring Medieval Edinburgh in the Nineteenth Century: Architecture, Heritage and Scottish Identity is an important contribution to urban history in general as well as to the histories of Edinburgh and Scotland in particular. -- Sir Rick Trainor, Exeter College, Oxford University
From an exceptional historian’s fire-side, we are left with the sounds, smells and light of a capital city on the make. Innovative and interdisciplinary to the last, Morris’s stunning analysis of class, religion, and politics in Edinburgh captures the history of the nation in full colour. -- Graeme Morton, University of Dundee
This book describes the 19th century re-making of Edinburgh as an ‘ancient’ architectural treasure. By scrutinising the debates, competing ideologies and visions surrounding three ‘core’ historic buildings, a much wider story emerges covering the intended meanings and politics of these projects: how they connected to Edinburgh’s self-image as capital, and to Scotland’s national identity. -- Aonghus MacKechnie, University of Strathclyde