Customer Reviews

Robert Bruce and the Community of the Realm of Scotland

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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!

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.