In the Footsteps of Robert Bruce [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Alan Young (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 25, 1999

On June 7, 1329 Robert Bruce died. For over 600 years, Robert Bruce has had his own place in Scottish history, his position almost that of a patron saint and that the story of his life as hero king has held the minds of the champions of Scottish nationalism for generations. Yet behind this legendary figure is a complex, and in many ways, more fascinating picture, a man who not only led his nation to a famous victory over the English at Bannockburn, and who is commemorated in his followers' national anthem Flower of Scotland, but who overcame great odds to win power for himself and his family's long-held ambition for political power. This book takes the reader on Bruce's journey, from his birth in southwest Scotland to a family with strong connections in Annandale, Cumberland and north Yorkshire, to his kingship and triumph at Bannockburn. Here are the sites and settings associated with Robert Bruce in the years following the death of King Alexander III of Scotland in 1329.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 190 pages
• Publisher: Sutton Publishing; illustrated edition edition (July 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750919108
• ISBN-13: 978-0750919104
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,829,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In The Footsteps of Robert Bruce, November 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In the Footsteps of Robert Bruce (Hardcover)

A georgeous book that reads as well as it looks. Without either romanticising or vilifying him, this illustrated biography reveals the vital part Bruce played in the story of Scottish independence. See where he lived, see where he fought!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding biography of a legendary Scot., March 3, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Footsteps of Robert Bruce (Hardcover)

Robert the Bruce was a legendary figure: a man who led his nation in victory and overcame odds to win power in Scotland. Packed with black and white and color photos and drawings is this survey of Robert the Bruce's life and times, presenting history in an attractive package which lends life and interest to the result.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bruce 101 with out the spin, February 6, 2007

By 

Shawn Marchinek "McDonald" (Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In the Footsteps of Robert Bruce (Hardcover)

Alan Young gives us a great political bio of Robert the Bruce but without as much bias as other books. Michael Stead's pictures make it all the more real with the reader. One can imagine the ruins of the castles and churches as they once were. This is a great book for people newly interested in Scottish history and Robert I. Young's story uses many sources and attempts to not fall into the trap of making the Bruce the ultimate warrior of freedom and the Comyn family the evil traitors. They were both competing families with dynastic plans. Young shows Bruce as a man who started on his path by protecting family interests and forwarding his families dynastic goal for the throne after the death of Alexander III. Sometimes he was with the English and sometimes back to the Scots. Once the Crown was claimed Bruce fought his Rivals, the Comyns, in a civil war he then took on England to separate Scotland from its political grasp. The fence sitting nobles with lands in both countries were forced to choose and help lead to a new National pride and Independence. The Comyns get a fairer image as rivals not traitors but still trying to push their own family agendas. They ended up the losers so were painted in a poor light by history. Bruce suffered some amazing tragedies with the deaths of his brothers, wives and even his daughter but ended as an amazing leader and King saving Scotland from a fate similar to Wales. This book is a great companion to "In the footsteps of William Wallace" by the same author and photographer. Braveheart may peak your interest but these guys set the record straight and give us some enjoyable and believable history.