Robert Bruce & The Community of the Realm of Scotland [Paperback]

Geoffrey W. S. Barrow (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0852246048 | ISBN-13: 978-0852246047 | Publication Date: September 21, 1988 | Edition: 3rd

In this classic account of Robert Bruce's life and career, Professor Barrow describes the interplay and tension between Bruce and the concept of a Scottish nation of which Bruce aspired to be leader. He demonstrates the unity of purpose which linked the efforts of church leaders, nobles and free-holders throughout the period 1290 to 1329, as together they conducted a single-minded campaign to defend the freedom of the Scottish realm against English arms and armed onslaught.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This towering history set a new standard for academic writing.

(Sunday Herald (Scotland) ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Geoffrey Barrow was Sir William Fraser Professor of Scottish History and Palaeography, University of Edinburgh, 1979-92, where he is currently Professor Emeritus.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 434 pages
• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press; 3rd edition (September 21, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0852246048
• ISBN-13: 978-0852246047
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,475,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE book for the study of the Scottish Wars of Independence, May 28, 1998

By 

Ewan Innes ([e-mail]) (Boston, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Robert Bruce & The Community of the Realm of Scotland (Paperback)

This is the best book for the study of this pivotal period in Scottish History. Barrow is the foremost scholar of the period and this book is a masterpiece. It covers the period from Alexander III's death in 1286 through to the death of Robert the Bruce in 1329, and is both detailed and also very readable. If you only buy one book on the period, this should be it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Robert the Bruce....Real and Thorough, October 24, 2006

By 

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

Amazon Verified Purchase

Robert Bruce and the Community of the Realm of Scotland by G.W.S. Barrow is a tome of unbelievable information. It is a serious biography and story of the war for independence of the 1300s and the internal battle for succession of Scotland. Prof Barrow shows Bruce for what he was. A wealthy land baron with lands in both England and Scotland and of royal blood, Robert Bruce was a competitor to the throne of Scotland and fought a private civil war with the Balliols and Comyns for that claim during the war of independence from England. This book shows that he was ultimately a hero king who united his people and country at great personal cost. Prof Barrow explains the community of the Realm as the Nobles, the Church,the barons and common Scotsman and Bruce's relationship and effect on each group. We learn that Bruce was an immensely proud Scotsman, of both Norman and Celtic descent, and wanted to position his family well but also sweep aside poor and ineffectual leadership in the Balliol reign. His goal was to set up a stronger anti-English government. After Bruce's success the community came together as a country of proud Scotsmen. No more nobility with lands in England and Scotland, a church well established and on good terms with Rome and a people proud and prosperous once more. Bruce is seen as truly human too. He initially fought for his families pursuits of power and land. He was married twice but fathered many illegitimate children and had questionable religious beliefs. He committed murder of his kinsman, John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and fellow claimant to the crone at the alter of Dumfries church and spent the first part of his reign on the run in the highlands. He also paid a price. All but one of his brothers were caught and killed by the English for Bruce's crown. Edward Bruce, the last brother, died in battle in Ireland seeking his own crown. Robert's sister, wife and daughter suffered in English captivity for years and Scotland burned under English domination. Robert outlived two wives but in the end he awakened a nation. This book is a wonderful compilation of many resources on the life of Bruce and Scotland of the late 1200's and early 1300's. Barbour is the major source but wonderfully interpreted and added too by many others. Prof. Barrow has a masterpiece of unequal proportions. Robert Bruce and the Community of the Realm of Scotland is a must have for any serious student of Scottish history and of Robert the Bruce. If I could give this book 6 stars I would.