Andrew Marr's first book tells the distinctive story of Scottish politics -- now updated with a new introductory chapter.

'We may be about to see a new country - indeed two new countries - emerging on these islands. Half a lifetime ago I sat down to write this book as a work of history. As it's aged it's become current affairs.'

Just twenty years ago it seemed impossible that Scotland would ever get home rule let alone full independence. Yet very soon there will be a Scottish referendum which will not only decide on this matter but which will have profound consequences for the future of all people on these islands.

In The Battle for Scotland first published in 1992 Andrew Marr provides the historical backdrop to these extraordinary events. He attempts to explain the deep sources of Scottish national feeling and the political will which has brought us to this deeply uncertain time.

And in a substantial new introduction Marr considers how we got here so suddenly what the stakes really are and what the questions every voting Scot (and every non-voting UK citizen) will be asking themselves.

Andrew Marr was born in Glasgow. He graduated from Cambridge University and has enjoyed a long career in political journalism working for the Scotsman the Independent the Economist the Express and the Observer. From 2000 to 2005 he was the BBC's Political Editor. Andrew's broadcasting includes series on contemporary thinkers for BBC 2 and Radio 4 political documentaries for Channel 4 and BBC Panorama and Radio 4's 'Start The Week'.