The Wars of the Bruces: Scotland, England and Ireland, 1306-1328

by Colm McNamee

Book Overview

The Bruces of fourteenth-century Scotland were formidable and enthusiastic warriors. Whilst much has been written about events as they happened in Scotland during the chaotic years of the first part... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1898410925
• ISBN13: 9781898410928
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Tuckwell Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Scottish warfare in detail

"The Wars of the Bruces", by Colm McNamee is a very detailed account of the years 1306-1328. The focus is King Robert I and his brother Edward Bruce and there struggle to keep the throne of Scotland and make a move into Ireland. McNamee starts with an excellent explanation of Lordship and Nationality and how that blurred with the nobles of Scotland and England. This sets up for the rise of Bruce brothers and the war that erupts between him and Edward I of England. The chapters on the raiding and defense of Northern England are very detailed and well researched. It tells of the losses of individuals in money, cattle and grain. This helps show the horrors of war and how the locals suffered sometimes more than the Nobles. The chapter on Edward Bruce in Ireland, his Kingship of there and final defeat was great. Not only was Edward Bruce's arrogance and pride shown as he personally sought his own Crown and Kingdom but also how he helped serve his Brother Robert's interests against the English and shore up an independent Scotland. Overall this is an excellent book for the hard core researcher and very detailed study of warfare. I personally felt it was over detailed at parts and got bored and found myself skimming until it got back to the tale. Not for the novice of Scottish history but an excellent resource.

A balance view of Clan Bruce's Rise to Power

This is an exceptional work covering the rise of Clan Bruce from 1306-1328. It is a dispassionate look, trying to steer away from the anti-bruce sentiment that rose after Braveheart movie - sorry gang - the Bruce got a RAW DEAL from Mel's movie. If you want to know about the Bruce, this is a great starting point. It is rich with details. Covers Edward the Bruce being crowned King of Ireland and the mess surrounding that. It systematically examines not only the struggles of the Bruce in coming to power and keeping that power in Scotland, but looks at the other little wars of the Bruces and the whole picture - the social climate inside and outside of Scotland.A meticulous work, that might be a bit more in depth that the casual reader would appreciate, but to serious students on the topic this is a true find.