David I: The King Who Made Scotland (Revealing History) [Paperback]

Richard Oram (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 075242825X | ISBN-13: 978-0752428253 | Publication Date: September 1, 2004 | Edition: 1st Ed.

Few kings more than David I deserve the reputation as “maker” of his kingdom. Although he is overshadowed in popular memory by his descendant, the later “saviour” of Scotland, Robert Bruce, it was David who laid the foundations of the medieval Scottish monarchy and set in motion the changes that created the kingdom that vied with England for mastery of the British Isles. In a reign spanning nearly three decades (1124–53), David moved his kingdom from the periphery towards the heart of medieval European civilization.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Oram’s treatment is a well–written, accessible book. Highly recommended.” -- CHOICE

From the Publisher

Few kings deserve more than David I the reputation as “maker” of his kingdom. Although he is overshadowed in popular memory by his descendant, the later “saviour” of Scotland, Robert Bruce, it was David who laid the foundations of the medieval Scottish monarchy and set in train the changes that created the kingdom that vied with England for mastery of the British Isles. David I’s policies witnessed the beginnings of a transformation of Scotland that was truly revolutionary. In a reign spanning nearly three decades (1124–53), David moved his kingdom from the periphery towards the heart of medieval European civilization.

Richard Oram is Senior Lecturer in Scottish History at the University of Stirling, editor of HISTORY SCOTLAND, the popular Scottish history magazine, and the series editor of Tempus’ Scottish Monarchs biography series. His other books include Lordship of Galloway, Scottish Prehistory and The Kings & Queens of Scotland, also published by Tempus.

Part of the Scottish Monarchs series, edited by Richard Oram.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 255 pages
• Publisher: Tempus; 1st Ed. edition (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075242825X
• ISBN-13: 978-0752428253
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,257,219 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, May 5, 2008

By 

Andromeda (USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: David I: The King Who Made Scotland (Revealing History) (Paperback)

A great look at King David I of Scotland. Very informative and well written. With several older brothers David never expected to be King he spent most of his time before then in the background or riding the coat tails of his sister Edith/Matilda Queen of England before becoming King of Scotland. Even after becoming King he still had to worry about other relatives trying to take the throne with him while trying to establish a archbishop in Scotland instead having to rely on the English on among other things. Its a great book

4.0 out of 5 stars Great biography but poor book edition, November 21, 2010

By 

William J. Shepherd (Crofton, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: David I: The King Who Made Scotland (Tempus Scottish Monarchs) (Paperback)

Well researched and balanced biography of a great medieval king who is relatively unknown today. Oram very skillfully juxtaposes the dual nature and reputation of David as pious ruler and brutal warrior, saint and sinner if you will. The paperback edition though is weakly bound with some of the pages coming loose after only one (gentle) reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Scots King David I by Dr. Oram, July 14, 2010

By 

Charles T. Ames (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: David I: The King Who Made Scotland (Tempus Scottish Monarchs) (Paperback)

This is a highly readable study of the Scots king who helped move the north into the military feudalism of the twelfth century. The material is concise and all inclusive without being overly pedantic. Dr. Oram clearly outlines the conflicts that arose between the Celtic and Norman systems, and presents the wide array of players strutting the stage of early medieval Scotland, England, and the Isles. Also considered is the availability or scarcity of information on this bygone time, and the reasonable conclusions that can be drawn or inferred about the period. Excellent source material for people with almost any amount of knowledge of Scottish history.