Deserves to be read by everyone interested in the future of the United Kingdom... this is analytical, synthetic, argumentative history at its best; it slays lazy myths and tells us the "why" of a momentous story every intelligent Briton ought to understand...cracking.
- Andrew Marr, The Sunday Times
Brilliant. Easily surpasses any of the glut of books surrounding our constitutional upheaval of the last five years or so.
- Kevin McKenna, The Observer
Never less than compelling ...Independence or Union is his best book to date, is required reading and a perfect example of why history matters.
- Alan Taylor, The Herald
Surefooted, balanced and reliable in analysis throughout.
- Colin Kidd, London Review of Books
The book offers a crisp and well-paced assessment of the Union... a thoroughly reasoned assessment
- Donald MacRaild, Times Higher Education
Briskly, clearly and fairly he sketches a complex and detailed history, bringing new life and fresh perspectives to old stories... if he hadn't already been knighted for services to Scottish history, Devine would have been high on the list for preferment after this new work.
- John McTernan, Prospect Magazine
Devine brings his usual acute historical critique to the question in hand.
- Keith M. Brown, Times Literary Supplement