'Scottish Place-Names', the result of twenty years' meticulous research, remains the only comprehensive and systematic study of Scottish place-names. First published in 1976, it has now been re-released as a new edition of this classic text.
From names which date from the dawn of time - such as the river names Tay or the Avon - to more modern names, such as Fort William or Helensburgh, Nicolaisen brings to life the rich tapestry of history which has shaped our country over thousands of years. Few of us are aware of the implications, symbolism and history of the names which we use and take for granted every day, and indeed of the continuous process of naming and re-naming which goes on around us. More than anything else, these place-names offer insights into the movement of peoples over Scotland over millennia, and often allow the modern reader to glimpse individuals who, if they had not been commemorated by place-names, would otherwise have disappeared from the historical record.
Written not as an A-Z reference book of place names, but as a history of Scottish place names in general - this book has been viewed as 'a remarakbale piece of writing', and 'a book of inestimable value'.
Contents:
List of Illustrations
Preface
Preface to the John Donald Edition
County Abbreviations
Other Abbreviations and Symbols
1. Introduction
2. The Written Evidence
3. Distribution in Time and Space
4. The Youngest Names
5. Early English Names
6. Scandinavian Names
7. Gaelic Names
8. P-Celtic Names: Pictish and Cumbric
9. Pre-Celtic Names
Bibliography
Additional Bibliography 1976-2001
Sources
Index
Review:Nicolaisen's book is to be warmly welcomed. It sets new standards in presentation, but more important, it epitomises new thinking, and a new approach to place-names study in Scotland which is singularly refreshing. - The Scotsman
A long-felt need is supplied by Nicolaisen's Scottish Place Names, a detailed and comprehensive examination of its subject. - J. McClure, Scottish Literary Journal
