The Balliol Dynasty: 1210-1364 [Paperback]

Amanda Beam (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 190460773X | ISBN-13: 978-1904607731 | Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Examining the political ambitions and influences of the Balliol dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries in Scotland, England, and France, this detailed historiography explores kingship in medieval Scotland and the conflicts that arose between powerful families. While history generally portrays members of the Balliol dynasty as ineffective leaders and politically weak men, this account reveals how unfairly the family has been judged by both chroniclers and historians. Offering a fresh perspective on the long-misunderstood Balliol family, this reevaluation highlights the dynasty’s important role in Scottish history, their powerful kingship, and their unique relationship with the English crown.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Amanda Beam is a research assistant in the department of history at the University of Glasgow.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Birlinn Ltd (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 190460773X
• ISBN-13: 978-1904607731
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,653,785 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Balliol History, July 23, 2008

By 

Aeryn Scott "Scollar" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Balliol Dynasty: 1210-1364 (Paperback)

This long overdue account is a welcome addition to historical literature, and certainly a major step in setting to rights several centuries of misinformation. In 1296 when England's Edward I invaded Scotland and sent John Balliol off to the Tower of London, the Scottish
archives - recently swollen with information collected from across the country to aid in settling the succession crisis following Alexander III's death - disappeared. So for something like six hundred years and counting, Barbour and Fordham, two Scots responsible for the first histories were the only source left; their versions, which are very pro-Bruce, anti-Balliol, were copied by authorities everywhere. English historians took care of Edward's deification, but Balliol's poor reputation got spread rather broadly by Barbour and Fordum. And Edward I had seen to it that no records were left to refute them. Thus, Amanda Beam's new book takes giant steps towards clarifying the Balliol position with prodigious scholarship. Make no mistake, this is not light reading for a day at the beach. But for those wanting to ferret out the truth about Scotland's hapless king and his family, The Balliol Dynasty is a genuine treasure and as fine an example of scholarship as one could ask for.