Second Hand Scotland and the Thirty Years’ War

An authoritative edited collection examining Scotland’s deep and often underappreciated entanglement in the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). Bringing together specialist research across diplomacy, politics, and military service, this volume shows how Scottish involvement reached far beyond battlefield participation—shaped by confessional alliances, dynastic interests, and the actions of Scottish agents operating across the courts and armies of continental Europe.

The essays explore the diplomatic positioning of the Stuart regime and Scottish Parliament, the networks of exiles and intermediaries active in European power centres, and the scale and character of Scottish military participation across key theatres of the war. Supporting material and detailed analysis make this a strong research-level resource, while the inclusion of illustrative plates and data-driven figures adds further value for historians and serious readers.

A standout academic reference for anyone studying Scotland in European affairs, early modern diplomacy, or the international dimensions of the Thirty Years’ War.