Four hundred years of history reveal murder, gardening, Indian wars, game hunting, temperance, heroic gambling, farming, sailing, and bankruptcy. This lavish 292 page book covers the history of Culzean Castle, the most visited National Trust property in Scotland. Built in the late 16th century, the castle was a center for smuggling in the 18th century. When the 9th Earl of Cassillis went on an extended grand tour in the 1750's. he brought home ideas for improving his vast estates, but when the plans were put into practice, they brought on bankruptcy. Wealthy Americans inherited it in 1792 and completed the project, giving us a fine example of the latest in castle improvement during Austen's lifetime. Edinburgh University Press. 2002. Paper. NEW. $25.00