In the Footsteps of Robert Bruce: In Scotland, Northern England and Ireland

By Alan Young and Michael J. Stead

Book Overview

A superbly illustrated journey through the tumultuous landscape and fascinating events of the notorious life of Robert the Bruce Exploring Robert the Bruce's "kingdom" from the North of England to the Scottish Highlands, this gorgeously illustrated tome illuminates the little-known facts about this Scottish legend. For more than 600 years, Robert the Bruce has had a unique place in Scottish history. Yet behind the legendary hero-king is a complex--and in many ways more fascinating--picture. He was a man who not only led his nation to a famous victory over the English at Bannockburn, but who overcame great odds to win power for himself in Scotland and fulfill his family's long-held ambition for political power. This book, illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs, takes the reader on Bruce's journey--from his birth in southwest Scotland to his kingship and triumph at Bannockburn. Here are the sites and settings associated with Robert the Bruce and those he fought, perfect for any visitor to Scotland or the North of England wanting to learn more about the myth and the man.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0752456423
• ISBN13: 9780752456423
• Release Date: July 2010
• Publisher: The History Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Great biography of a truly great man!

I bought this wonderful book whilst on holiday in Scotland, what better setting could there be! A concise biography, it works to build a picture a Bruce the man. An astute politician, brilliant general and strong charismatic leader. Whilst at the same time striping away the layers of myth and tradition surrounding his life. It also presents a background of Bruce's life and reign, and documents his Norman ancestors rise to power. These predeccesors came from France, and formed close bonds with the Norman kings of England as well as Scotland, which resulted in a Bruce marrying into Scottish royalty. In this union lies Robert the Bruce's claim to the throne of Scotland. By searching for the historical Bruce, this volume presents a realistic yet sympathetic picture of the man behind the legend. A man with typically human flaws and imperfections, who could be both magnanimous and cruel, unflinchingly honest, but also sly, even deceitful when the need arose. A throughly human character, with whom we call all identify, and still ultimately admire.

Bruce 101 with out the spin

Alan Young gives us a great political bio of Robert the Bruce but without as much bias as other books. Michael Stead's pictures make it all the more real with the reader. One can imagine the ruins of the castles and churches as they once were. This is a great book for people newly interested in Scottish history and Robert I. Young's story uses many sources and attempts to not fall into the trap of making the Bruce the ultimate warrior of freedom and the Comyn family the evil traitors. They were both competing families with dynastic plans. Young shows Bruce as a man who started on his path by protecting family interests and forwarding his families dynastic goal for the throne after the death of Alexander III. Sometimes he was with the English and sometimes back to the Scots. Once the Crown was claimed Bruce fought his Rivals, the Comyns, in a civil war he then took on England to separate Scotland from its political grasp. The fence sitting nobles with lands in both countries were forced to choose and help lead to a new National pride and Independence. The Comyns get a fairer image as rivals not traitors but still trying to push their own family agendas. They ended up the losers so were painted in a poor light by history. Bruce suffered some amazing tragedies with the deaths of his brothers, wives and even his daughter but ended as an amazing leader and King saving Scotland from a fate similar to Wales. This book is a great companion to "In the footsteps of William Wallace" by the same author and photographer. Braveheart may peak your interest but these guys set the record straight and give us some enjoyable and believable history.

Say What?

"A Reader" (which is debatable) from Troy, New York" says, "Oh, heavens! Is nothing sacred? What next, crooks buying pardons from outgoing presidents?"...what in the world does this have to do with anything about a book about Robert the Bruce? It never ceases to amaze me the places that the dittoheads find to take a shot at the last legally elected POTUS (Bill Clinton.) Perhaps the "Reader" from Troy would prefer the current Commander in Thief's favorite book, "The Hungry Caterpillar" to a serious work of history.

An outstanding biography of a legendary Scot.

Robert the Bruce was a legendary figure: a man who led his nation in victory and overcame odds to win power in Scotland. Packed with black and white and color photos and drawings is this survey of Robert the Bruce's life and times, presenting history in an attractive package which lends life and interest to the result.

In The Footsteps of Robert Bruce

A georgeous book that reads as well as it looks. Without either romanticising or vilifying him, this illustrated biography reveals the vital part Bruce played in the story of Scottish independence. See where he lived, see where he fought!