Culloden and the Last Clansman [Hardcover]

James Hunter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001

In May 1752 in the Scottish Highlands, a rider is shot dead by a hidden gunman. The murdered man is Colin Campbell, a government agent heading for nearby Duror where he plans to evict Duror's farming tenants and replace them with his relatives. Colin Campbell's killer escapes. But Britain's rulers insist that this challenge to their authority must be paid for with a hanging. The sacrificial victim is James Stewart who, from his Duror home, has been organizing resistance to the murdered man's evictions. Stewart is a verteran of the Highland uprising which culminated in the Battle of Culloden in April 1746. Back in Duror he saw home after home torched by troops sent to bring the Highlanders to heel. But Stewart, refusing to knuckle under, takes on the officials—among them Colin Campbell—who are trying to impose British rule on the Highlands. Colin Campbell's killing rocked 18th-century Britain and became the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel, Kidnapped. And ever since the fatal shot was fired, people have argued about who actually pulled the trigger.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Hunter is the author of a number of books on Scottish history, including Scottish Exodus, A Dance Called America and Skye: The Island. He lives in Beauly, Inverness-shire. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Mainstream Publishing (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840184833
• ISBN-13: 978-1840184839
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #806,965 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome and Insightful, December 29, 2007

By 

Anita L. Bott (Jim Thorpe PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Culloden and the Last Clansman (Hardcover)

This book was recommended by a Tour Director in Scotland when I visited the bridge from which James Stewart's body hung until his body fell piece by piece from it's chains. I had always found myself interested in why the Highlanders came down to fight for Bonnie Prince Charlie and where they found their courage. Even though this book takes place in the aftermath of Culloden, James Hunter explained to me the structure, loyalty, and fierceness of the clans through the life of James Stewart. It was insightful in a writing style that I could see within the hearts and minds of these people. The bravery of James Stewart and his senseless murder is a story that was well written, so that I was able to experience life in the times after Culloden. I would recommend this book to anyone who's asks "Why" and "Where did they find their courage". Thank You Ian for guiding me to this book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Written Highland Documentary I've Read. Better than fiction..., September 8, 2010

By 

MTSTEW1752 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Culloden and the Last Clansman (Hardcover)

I read this book cover to cover in record time. I could not put it down. I actually keep it handy and reference it regularly when I need to refresh on particular facts. What a fantastic account of events at a pivotal time in Scottish history. Hunter has a writing style and a such a grasp for the events, thoughts and feelings of Jacobites and Hanovarians of the time that you cannot help but be transported in time to view all occurrences practically in person. Culloden and the Last Clansman was enjoyable on so many levels that I have to recommend it to anyone that enjoys reading. If you are a history buff especially, you cannot miss this one. Furthermore, if you are into Scottish history, it is probably a sin not to read this one or at least ought to be.

Thank you, Dr. James Hunter for your efforts on this book as well as your dedication to Highlands in general.