Book excerpt: This enlightening, lavishly illustrated architectural and historical tour explores the unique flavor of Scotland’s great houses. Written from a perspective that is at once personal and scholarly, this unique book examines Scotland’s distinctive country-house architecture. Illustrated with more than 200 photographs, drawings and plans, the book guides the reader through the singular features of Scottish noble homes: the stately setting, the balanced facade, the formal appointments and fashionable furnishings, explaining how each was achieved. Architectural historian Charles Wemyss investigates the aspirations of the Scottish nobility and explores the underlying reasons for such a multitude of castles: Scotland’s close cultural relationship with France and northern Europe, the military origins of the nobility and the vital role of the Scottish Treasury. The book also profiles the country’s leading architects: William Bruce, James Smith, William Adam and his celebrated sons, John, Robert, and James. Utterly engaging as well as informative, this book brings a fresh dimension to the study of Scotland’s country houses, placing their achievement in the context of the country’s economic, political, and social history.