Ian Gow's majestic book is an unrivalled collection of Scotland's finest houses in their final golden age, before the destructive forces of the twentieth century swept so many away and emptied others of their contents. Here are the famous palaces and castles - from Holyrood House and Glamis to Inverrary and Culzean - recorded in photographs of timeless authority. Here also, are the fragile ensembles of 18th century houses such as Arniston, Newhailes and Drum, shown with their gardens, plasterwork, tapestries, furniture and paintings. Most breathtaking of all is Hamilton Palace and its incomparable collections, photographed months before the house was demolished and its treasures scattered. Ian Gow has selected over 200 photographs from the Country Life archive, taken throughout the course of the last century, featuring twenty houses which showcase the splendour of the Scottish house. This beautifully produced book comes from the most distinguished authority on Scotland's historic houses. Anyone looking to delve into the golden age of Scotland's finest houses will find it essential reading.