The Kings & Queens of Scotland (Revealing History) [Paperback]

Richard Oram (Author)

Book Description

Series: Revealing History | Publication Date: June 1, 2006

The history of the Scottish monarchy can be presented as a long tale of triumph over adversity, characterized by the personal achievements of its truly remarkable rulers who transformed their fragile kingdom into the master of northern Britain. This volume charts that process, tracing it through the lives of the men and women whose ambitions drove it forward on the often rocky path from its semi-mythical foundations to its integration into the Stewart kingdom of Great Britain. It is a route filled with such towering personalities as Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots, whose lives have made an indelible imprint in world history, but directed also by a host of less well-known figures, such as Causantin mac Aeda, who challenged the heirs of Alfred for the mastery of Britain; David I, who extended his kingdom almost to the gates of York; and James IV, builder of the finest navy in northern Europe. Their will and ambition, successes, and failures not only shaped modern Scotland, but have left their mark throughout the British Isles and the wider world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The colorful, complex and frequently bloody story of Scottish rulers...an exciting if rarely edifying tale told in a clear and elegant format"

About the Author

Richard Oram is Lecturer in Medieval Scottish History and Environmental History at the University of Stirling, editor of History Scotland, the popular Scottish history magazine, and editor of Tempus's Scottish Monarchs royal biography series. His other books include Lordship of Galloway, Scottish Prehistory and David I: The King Who Made Scotland, also published by Tempus. He lives in Crieff in Perthshire

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Tempus (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075243814X
• ISBN-13: 978-0752438146
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,253,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars KIngws and Queens of Scotland, December 30, 2009

By 

Charles T. Ames (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Kings & Queens of Scotland (Revealing History) (Paperback)

Excellent short reviews of Scots rulers. Begins in the murky pre-history period and moves swiftly forward. A good quick read and review for anyone interested in the topic, and considerably cheaper than some of Dr. Oram's other works.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glory and Squalor of Scottish Kings, December 12, 2010

By 

Ford Ka (Edinburgh, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kings & Queens of Scotland (Revealing History) (Paperback)

The collection of biographical essays on Scottish monarchs edited by Richard Oram offers the reader a unique opportunity to learn Scottish history through the lives of her kings and queens. Due to scarcity of available materials, the early Scottish kings are presented in one chapter. Starting with Malcolm III, each of the monarchs is given a brief separate presentation of their lives and achievements both before their ascension and during their reigns.
The book clearly concentrates of the Medieval history (the reigns of "the British Stuarts" from Charles I to Anne comprise less than 10% of the volume) but I can't hardly object as the early Scottish kings are quite obviously the least known and, probably, the most interesting. The essays are illustrated with photographs of coins, seals, and portraits of the monarchs, adding to the value of the book.