Customer Reviews

In the Footsteps of Robert Bruce

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4 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

I bought this wonderful book whilst on holiday in Scotland, what better setting could there be!

A concise biography, it works to build a picture a Bruce the man. An astute politician, brilliant general and strong charismatic leader. Whilst at the same time striping away the layers of myth and tradition surrounding his life.

It also presents a background of Bruce's life and reign, and documents his Norman ancestors rise to power. These predeccesors came from France, and formed close bonds with the Norman kings of England as well as Scotland, which resulted in a Bruce marrying into Scottish royalty. In this union lies Robert the Bruce's claim to the throne of Scotland.

By searching for the historical Bruce, this volume presents a realistic yet sympathetic picture of the man behind the legend.
A man with typically human flaws and imperfections, who could be both magnanimous and cruel, unflinchingly honest, but also sly, even deceitful when the need arose. A throughly human character, with whom we call all identify, and still ultimately admire.

Alan Young and Michael Stead's "In The Footsteps of Robert Bruce" is a well-written and lavishly illustrated account of the life of Robert Bruce, who overcame long odds to restore independence to Scotland in the 1300's.

Alan Young's account of Bruce is remarkably even-handed, describing Bruce's legendary fortitude and battlefield skill against invading English armies and his rivals in Scotland while acknowledging that Bruce was a master of the cut-throat politics that were the custom of his age. Robert Bruce rose from marginal malcontent to revered King of Scotland; this account places his career in context for the casual reader. Alan Young has done a remarkable job making sense of the twisted dynastic conflicts of the day. Michael Stead's superb photographs document locations in Scotland and England that were important in the life of Robert Bruce. They capture the rugged beauty that was and is Scotland, and would have been worthy of a book in their own right.

This book is highly recommended to the reader with an interest in Scottish history and to the visitor to Scotland looking for some historical background.

"A Reader" (which is debatable) from Troy, New York" says, "Oh, heavens! Is nothing sacred? What next, crooks buying pardons from outgoing presidents?"...what in the world does this have to do with anything about a book about Robert the Bruce? It never ceases to amaze me the places that the dittoheads find to take a shot at the last legally elected POTUS (Bill Clinton.) Perhaps the "Reader" from Troy would prefer the current Commander in Thief's favorite book, "The Hungry Caterpillar" to a serious work of history.

The review given here by "A Reader" from Washington DC is virtually verbatim (only one word was omitted) from the blurb for this book as shown at QPB! I would assume that blurb came from either the publisher or the author, which means so did the review here! It appears that someone is padding the reviews! Oh, heavens! Is nothing sacred? What next, crooks buying pardons from outgoing presidents?

To confirm this you need to see it on QPB.com but you can't unless you're a member since they don't offer this book as a premium for joining.