The Border Reivers (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Keith Durham (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: March 13, 1995

From the 13th century until early in the 17th century, the Border Marches of England and Scotland were torn by a vicious and almost continuous cycle of raid, reprisal and blood feud. The Border Reiver was a professional cattle thief, a guerilla soldier skilled at raiding, tracking and ambush, and a well organized "gangster." Including eight superb full page color plates by Angus McBride, as well as numerous other illustrations, this text by Keith Durham explores the colorful history of these remarkable people.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Keith Durham is from the Borders himself and has written a number of books and articles on the subject of the Reivers. He is also a skilled and respected figure sculptor who has produced models for a number of companies including Border Miniatures.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (March 13, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855324172
• ISBN-13: 978-1855324176
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #885,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well illustrated and written....., June 26, 2002

By 

B. Little (Hamden CT, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Border Reivers (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

I convene a Scottish Clan Tent at various Highland Games, and this is always prominantly displayed on my table.
It gives a quick, but thorough history on the Scottish Border Reivers for those of use who don't have time to read the Steel Bonnets. The illustrations alone are worth the price of the book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Border Reivers, January 15, 2008

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Border Reivers: With visitor information (Trade Editions) (Paperback)

A fine resource on the savage and versatile warriors that fought a ferocious, three-hundred year war on the Anglo-Scottish borders. Here the traditional Celtic way of war, cattle raids, terrorism, and daring chases and escapes, were still practiced until the 18th Century. This was no war for the freedom of Scotland, however. To put it bluntly (and a bit cynically) this is the story of a bunch of gangster-type families, variously of Highlander, Lowlander, or English origin, who were engaged in a never-ending cycle of murder, rape, theft, and blackmail.

For all their savagery, the Border Reivers have to be admired for their skill and hardiness. The Reiver was simply a professional armed thief, trained in the use of spear, sword, and pistol, and a very accomplished rider. He might be a knight, peasant, or escaped convict, just as he may be of Gaelic or English heritage. In the 17th Century these men were considered the finest light cavalry in the world, and the stories of their bloody battles, daring raids, and heroic rescues of their comrades have become the stuff of legend.

As is always the case, Mr. McBride's artwork alone would make this book worth every cent. The facial expressions of many of his subjects stand out in particular in this title; note the powerful expressions of wild glee and savage hate in Plate 'B', depicting the hard-fought Battle of Flodden in 1513.

Also of special note in the text and plates alike are some of the best depictions of pre-18th Century Scottish Highlanders I have found. These men, of course, did not fit in well with the Scottish stereotype, wearing English-style tights and helmets in place of the kilts and tartan plaids and jackets. In other ways, they are shown matching the 'Braveheart' stereotype rather well with a rugged appearance, long hair, and a huge claymore.

Another warrior of note that is well-depicted in this book is the Irish kern, the servant and fellow-warrior of the noble gallowglasses. The kerns, with their bizarre hairdos and vicious-looking halberds, were a source of fear and revulsion amongst the contemporary Englishmen.

Overall, this book is a great introduction to the wars and feuds on the Anglo-Scottish borders from the late 13th Century to the mid 17th Century. It is well-written and richly endowed with colorful and accurate artwork, and is a must for an enthusiast of late medieval Scottish or English warfare.