Review of 'The Scottish Town in the Age of the Enlightenment 1740-1820'

A comprehensive review highlights the significance of Edinburgh's urban development during the Scottish Enlightenment (1740–1820), challenging the historical neglect of Scottish towns in favor of English counterparts. The study, a collaborative effort led by architectural historian Charles McKean and continued by Bob Harris with contributions from research assistants, draws on extensive, previously underutilized local and regional sources to reconstruct the social, cultural, and architectural evolution of Scottish towns. It argues that Edinburgh's preservation of its classical heritage—later recognized by UNESCO World Heritage status—was pivotal in conserving similar urban landscapes across Europe, including Bath and Dublin. The work also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending urban history with architectural studies and conservation movements, setting a precedent for future research on Scottish urbanization.

Donnachie, I. (2014). Review of ‘The Scottish Town in the Age of the Enlightenment 1740-1820’. Reviews in History. https://doi.org/10.14296/rih/2014/1697