Currently making my way through 'Scotland: The Making of the Kingdom Vol. 1' by A.M.M Duncan (Mercat Press), and Colm McNamee's 'Robert Bruce: Our Most Valiant Prince, King and Lord' (Birlinn) - this is the first book focusing on Bruce alone I have read, and seems to lack the detail of other Historical, or even autobiographical works - this stands in sharp contrast to Duncans' work, which is crammed full of detail while being rather dry in places; a complete contrast of styles, and probably of aims.

 

Have you read this book on the Bruce, Gordon? I don't know if you're a scholar of this period, but do you have any recommendations regarding good works on Bruce, and his context of the first Wars of Independence?

 

 

Edit: although Archie Duncan's style is rather dry, this is a minor gripe of an otherwise extraordinary tome.

Sorry for the delay, this is one of the new posts I missed!

Yes, I know a bit about Robert the Bruce! He is the man who's responsible for inspiring my interest both in Scottish history, and in castles.

In my opinion there really is only one book worth reading on Bruce from a scholarly perspective, and that is Robert Bruce and the Community of the Realm, previously listed in post 1.

All other works on Bruce make reference to this, and you've heard of the author, GWS Barrow.

Robert Bruce and The Community of The Realm of Scotland, Prof GWS Barrow. Edinburgh University Press, 1988 3rd ed.

ISBN 0 85224 604 8

The definitive work on the life and times of the 'Hero King' from which all others take reference. Incredibly detailed, describing the western european politcs of the era, the campaigns, the policies, sieges, castles, land ownership, allegiances, alliances, and of course The Wars of Independance. This can be heavy going, but careful reading reveals a great deal about life in the 13th and 14th centuries.

For an easier to read account of events, politics, sieges and campaigns, try

Robert The Bruce, Ronald McNair Scott, Canongate books Ltd, 1988 ISBN 0 86241 172 6

.

The Amazon listing for the reviewed 2005 edition.

 

 

A new one, Castles of the Clans, Martin Coventry. Recently published, this is a different slant on Martin's usual format. The listings are by clan or family, some 750 of them, and within each a brief history, then a list of castles owned or occupied by them. There are some new sites, making a total of 3000 just for the families included, an excellent book.

The listing at Amazon

Sorry for the delay, this is one of the new posts I missed!

Yes, I know a bit about Robert the Bruce! He is the man who's responsible for inspiring my interest both in Scottish history, and in castles.

In my opinion there really is only one book worth reading on Bruce from a scholarly perspective, and that is Robert Bruce and the Community of the Realm, previously listed in post 1.

All other works on Bruce make reference to this, and you've heard of the author, GWS Barrow.

Robert Bruce and The Community of The Realm of Scotland, Prof GWS Barrow. Edinburgh University Press, 1988 3rd ed.

ISBN 0 85224 604 8

The definitive work on the life and times of the 'Hero King' from which all others take reference. Incredibly detailed, describing the western european politcs of the era, the campaigns, the policies, sieges, castles, land ownership, allegiances, alliances, and of course The Wars of Independance. This can be heavy going, but careful reading reveals a great deal about life in the 13th and 14th centuries.

For an easier to read account of events, politics, sieges and campaigns, try

Robert The Bruce, Ronald McNair Scott, Canongate books Ltd, 1988 ISBN 0 86241 172 6

.

The Amazon listing for the reviewed 2005 edition.

 

 

A new one, Castles of the Clans, Martin Coventry. Recently published, this is a different slant on Martin's usual format. The listings are by clan or family, some 560 of them, and within each a brief history, then a list of castles owned or occupied by them. There are some new sites, making a total of 3000 just for the families included, an excellent book.

The listing at Amazon

 

That's great Gordon - anything by Barrow is fine by me, and something on the Bruce himself must be pretty special.

 

This is an area of history I've only became interested in recently; I have a rudimentary knowledge of the great cause and the wars of independence etc, and it's only recently that I've really come to understand not only how important they are in the history of Scotland, but also how fascinating they are. I'm really looking forward to sinking my teeth into this.

 

My biggest regret is that I didn't study Scottish history, and it's only recently I've began to appreciate just how interesting it is - but, that's another story. Thanks again Gordon :)

I didn't study Scottish history, and it's only recently I've began to appreciate just how interesting it is

It's a national disgrace that for years it was not included in formal curricula. I benefitted from having 'enlightened' primary school teachers, and a forthright first year history teacher at secondary school, who provided an overview, but as for the detail, I'm self taught without formal history qualification. An enthusiastic amateur.

There are literally dozens of books on The Bruce, but I've still to find one that doesn't have Barrow as a principal reference.

I didn't study Scottish history, and it's only recently I've began to appreciate just how interesting it is

It's a national disgrace that for years it was not included in formal curricula. I benefitted from having 'enlightened' primary school teachers, and a forthright first year history teacher at secondary school, who provided an overview, but as for the detail, I'm self taught without formal history qualification. An enthusiastic amateur.

There are literally dozens of books on The Bruce, but I've still to find one that doesn't have Barrow as a principal reference.

 

Not only a disgrace, it's also bizarre, given the rich and exciting history of our own nation. At school the only aspect of Scottish history touched on was the Highland Clearances, and even this was only a very short course, and in my case was very poorly taught and left me with no real appetite, or understanding, of Scottish history - so when it came to going to university I never even considered Scottish history. Had more of our own history been taught at school, there is no doubt I would have chosen to study Scottish History at university - that I didn't is one of the biggest regrets of my life. So I am also currently teaching myself Scottish history, and hope to pursue it in the future, professionally if possible. So it's also a great pity more of our own history is not taught - if it was, I believe more children would be interested in it, as it would seem much more relevant to them; as it is, many are put off or bored by subjects that just don;t grab their attention in the way hearing about events which may have happened locally, and which shaped the land they are living in would.

 

I'm looking forward to getting Barrow's book - be interesting to read one of our great historians discuss one of our greatest sons :)

'The Border Towers of Scotland: Their History and Architecture - The West March', by Alastair M.T. Maxwell-Irving.

ISBN 1 899316 03 5 This 2008 paperback reprint of the book originally published in 2000 is self published by the author. It is a large high quality publication which provides great detail on each of 90 + sites in the Scottish west march. The author provides excellent historical detail, photographs, plans and development detail on each of the sites, and although I have not as yet read the full book, my impression is that it will not disappoint. The £20 less members discount I paid for this in Craignethan Castle shop looks to be well invested on a book that promises to be a well thumbed and valuable resource. To say this book is packed with detail is an understatement. More later once i've read it all.

I have only been able to find a minimal catalogue entry for the original edition in Amazon, and have not as yet discovered another source to buy it than Craignethan. The book covers Dumfriesshire, and east Galloway, as far as the Ken/Dee valley.

With an impressive forward by Geoffrey Stell, Head of Architecture with the RCAHMS, this book is highly recommended.

The publishing address is given as

Alastair MT Maxwell-Irving ,

Telford House,

Blairlogie,

Stirling FK95PX

 

This one is right up your street Andrew, get it if you can.

'The Border Towers of Scotland: Their History and Architecture - The West March', by Alastair M.T. Maxwell-Irving.

ISBN 1 899316 03 5

 

This book did not disappoint. From a detailed local history, to lengthy detailed descriptions of architectural features, variations, and their distribution through the region. This is all backed up with an equally detailed history, development history and description of each of the 90 or so individual sites and their estates described. Add to this some excellent and very generous illustrations, including both interior and exterior B&W photos, Macgibbon & Ross plans, old map extracts, authors drawings......

Each gazetteer entry includes it's own impressive list of references(which even for some almost vanished sites can amount to 12 or 13 original sources) reflecting the depth of research resources and knowledge of the author.

Mr Maxwell-Irving obviously has spent a number of decades in researching and compiling his material which when brought together has produced a volume greater in detail and size than many works covering the topic nationwide, in short he has published a Macgibbon & Ross for the east march with modern ideals, terminology, interpretations, and improved historical detail.

This is a serious study and incredible work on the Border Towers which should delight castle enthusiasts of all descriptions! No wonder it won the Scottish Castles Association Nigel Tranter Memorial Award.

Two surprises, firstly the cost, and secondly that he has published himself.

My only regrets, that I didn't have the opportunity to buy it earlier, and that it is not more widely available.