In this study Cathcart examines Scottish Highland society of the 15th and 16th centuries, and considers the extent to which kinship and clientage were organizing principles within clanship. She focuses initially on internal clan structure, and then goes on to analyze local politics within the context of regional and national affairs. Particular attention is paid to clans located in the central and eastern Highlands. Cathcart teaches Scottish history at the U. of Strathclyde. The text is based upon her PhD thesis (2001, U. of Aberdeen). Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)