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THE growth of these two
volumes is similar to that of their predecessor, ‘The Book-Hunter,’ which
was received with unexpected favour.
The Author had at various
times, through periodical literature and otherwise, offered some
suggestions on the existence and character of certain unexplored recesses
in historical literature. He found himself backed by friendly advisers in
the opinion that it would be worth while to go over the ground more
systematically, bring his suggestions to clearer conclusions, and see how
far they could be assorted in systematic groups. The project was rendered
all the more attractive by the new light thrown into corners previously
obscure by the noble collection of documents issued under the direction of
the Master of the Rolls in this country, and the investigations of
accomplished archaeologists abroad. The Author found that the result could
neither be readied in so brief a time nor packed in so small a compass as
he expected, since new vistas, ever opening up, lured him farther on. The
book thus greatly changed its nature after the title had been announced.
But although the whole first volume, given up to an account of ‘The
Ancient League with France,’ is passed before ‘The Scot Abroad’ strictly
commences, yet the title is not so illogical as it may seem, since the
whole book refers to the relations of Scotland and Scotsmen with foreign
countries.
To go abroad merely for the
purpose of dealing with one’s countrymen dispersed in foreign lands, may
appear as egregious an instance of nationality as any of those which the
Author has hunted up for the amusement of his reader. He pleads as his
excuse that, having devoted the time at his disposal to the
reconstruction, from the beginning, of the History of Scotland in its
present received shape, he has been tempted to leave from time to time the
beaten road, and follow up the nearest openings into districts where he
could wander at large, free from the responsibilities for exhaustive
completeness which attend on history-making. He will be glad if the
good-natured reader takes his offering in the same spirit, and treats it
as a holiday ramble through some secluded scenes in history and
literature.
Volume I
This volume is mostly to do with
the Scots connections with France and the influence both countries and
their people had on each other.
Volume II
This volume is of a more general nature covering Scots connections with
other parts of the world but does also include further mention of French
connections.
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