Richard Finlay's comprehensive narrative and analysis considers the major themes of the century - whether working-class militancy or the rise of Scottish nationalism, poverty or social reconstruction, the "new Scots" from Asia or land problems in the Highlands, the Scottish cultural renaissance or popular culture. But it also shows how these themes were played out in particular communities and affected the lives of individuals. From the women who worked in munitions factories to the children in the school playground, from the Tory faithful of Dumfries to the union men of Linwood, from the cinema-goers of 1930s Aberdeen to crofters of Knoydart who recently succeeded in buying their land, Richard Finlay gives a vivid picture of contemporary Scotland, and the people who have shaped it.