Alasdair Roberts Books

Edinburgh was the place where Miss Jean Brodie taught her girls to believe they were the 'creme de la creme', where there was a real St. Trinnean's, and where an unusually large proportion of the city's girls went to independent schools. Alasdair Roberts has produced a social history of this special feature of Edinburgh life."

In Four Crises of Democracy, Alasdair Roberts puts democratic malaise in the United States in perspective. He describes four distinct democratic crises over the past century, and describes how government changed in response to each crisis. The institutions of American democracy, Roberts says, are more flexible than is often appreciated.

Beyond Fort William, on the road to the Isles, lies Morar, the 'Highlands of the Highlands' and centre of the 'Rough Bounds', that wild, desolate, but uniquely beautiful part of Scotland that was once the homeland of the Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Lords of the Isles.

Library of Aethers gathers a generous selection of lyrics from one of the finest songwriters of the last thirty years, Alasdair Roberts, with his own notes shedding light on the rich blend of biographical, historical and literary sources behind the songs.

With the fields of public administration and public management suffering a crisis of relevance, Alasdair Roberts offers a provocative assessment of their shortfalls. The two fields, he finds, no longer address urgent questions of governance in a turbulent and dangerous world. Strategies for Governing offers a new path forward for research...

Whether resident or tourist, no-one is spared from the bloodlust of Scotland’s most savage insect . . .The midge does not like sunlight and thrives in the wet, so the Scottish summertime brings perfect climatic conditions for this ruthless wee beastie.This fascinating and amusing anthology of anecdotes and information about the minuscule marauder ranges from the eighteenth century to the present, covering such topics as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Victoria, kilts and camping. It also includes a section on remedies and repellents, so locals and visitors can tray and enjoy the pleasures of Scotland without the pain. And if the new midge-eating machines are as good as claimed, midges may soon be a thing of the past.

Across the Western world, people are angry about the inability of government to perform basic functions competently. With widespread evidence of policy failures at home and ill-conceived wars and interventions abroad, it is hardly surprising that politicians are distrusted and government is derided as a sprawling, wasteful mess.

Focusing on the historical progression towards transparency in governance, this book explores key developments and shifts in policies that promote openness. It delves into the implications of these changes for public trust and accountability, highlighting significant milestones and influential movements that have shaped contemporary government practices. Through detailed analysis, it sheds light on the ongoing challenges and opportunities in fostering a more open political environment.