Originally published in 1980, this book gives a concrete description of
the development of Scottish companies and Scottish capital through the
20th Century, based on empirical study. The study begins with the major
companies of 1904-5 and examines their history and subsequent
development. The top companies in a number of periods are also examined
and the study concludes with an investigation of the major companies of
1973-4 and their response to the (then) recent oil developments. The
book uses both detailed company histories and broad historical
interpretations as sources drawing the data together into
chronologically ordered sections. Its focus is on the companies and
people which make up the system of Scottish capital, seen as a
relatively distinct system with its own characteristics and its own
pattern of development within the British system.