Customer Reviews

William Wallace

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There are many books published on Wallace and the Scottish Wars for Independence. Historians' interpretations of Wallace are almost fictional because there are few materials to study or they become wrapped up in the legend.

Andrew Fisher has done a great job in telling the story of Wallace and conducts thought provoking analysis of the man, e.g. Wallace's execution by King Edward I. Most books seem to interpret his execution as something extraordinary to the times, when in fact; his execution was common for traitors to the King. Also, Fisher's analysis of Wallace's military leadership and his battles are downright original.

People that understand Wallace only from the myth and legend will learn a lot by reading Fisher's book. It is an honest portrayal of Wallace and his place in Scottish history.

I was lucky to follow in most of Wallace's footsteps while visiting Scotland in 1996. I visited the execution site in London (see www.findagrave.com for pictures), the battle of Sterling Bridge and the Gothic looking Wallace monument built in the 1860's. It was in the monument that I climbed a narrow stone spiral staircase to a room, just below the top of the monument, where stands what is supposed to be Wallace's sword. It is a simple looking sword, nothing fancy, and nothing astonishing. But, when I gazed upon it, I thought of Wallace the man, not the myth. Fisher does just that; he strips the myths of Wallace and paints a picture of the real man.

Enjoy

The book I am reviewing is the "Second Edition" verison of this biography. I believed certain parts have been rewritten to insert the reference to Mel Gibson's Braveheart movie which put the character, William Wallace into the forefront of Scottish history for many people.

The biography on the whole, I thought to be very balance, very detail and superbly written within the context of time period. The author obviously understand his character within the boundary of that time period and this keep the biography honest and unbiased. I have read several Wallace biographies since that movie and I have to say this one is probably the best one. Good thing is that this book came out way before the movie so it doesn't have that taint of cashing in on the movie feel.

Andrew Fisher's book was first published in 1986, and is a well-researched account of the life of Wallace. Given that it was written 9 years before Braveheart was released, it cannot be put in the category of books (e.g. MacKay's book) that can be accused of trying to cash in on the movie. This book benefits from having been written objectively, and it is clear where Andrew Fisher is drawing conclusions from the limited information available. Highly recommended to anyone who is interested in this period of Scottish History and in the life of William Wallace. [MacBraveHeart - May, 1999]

Fisher's book details the successful and unsuccessful battle Wallace waged against Edward's army. He details the atrocities on both sides, each equally inhumane. In the end, the reader gets a more realistic view of this great Scottish hero. He or she should also begin to understand why Scotland and England are two separate countries, each with their own history, united by a common sovereign.

A fine collection of pretty much everything known about the historical Sir William Wallace, organized like a biography. I would recommend this book for someone who, like me, loves to read about and research the history of their Scottish ancestors, or who is seeking to read about the real man behind 'Braveheart'.

William Wallace. By Andrew Fisher.(Edinburgh: John Donald Publishers Limited, 1986.)

The author's thesis is that the Scottish military hero Sir William Wallace is perceived mainly through an unreliable poem and the 1995 film Braveheart, not historically sound sources. Fisher thoroughly illustrates where Hollywood and tradition have taken precedence to History. He gives documented accounts that both confirm and contradict the traditional account of Wallace's life. Fisher shows on multiple occasions where the traditional sources were either speculating, embellishing or just wrong altogether.

This work is an interpretive narrative. Fisher issues questions most have failed to ask. He puts events in Wallace's life in context with contemporary facts that offer alternate explanations for his actions and motives. Fisher does not attempt to erase the heroic image of Wallace, but to gain a deeper, more historical understanding of him. The author turned to many sources, both Scottish and English soldiers' accounts. He also proved the traditional background of Wallace's life is false and completely opposite by his use of a letter of Wallace's found in Germany.

This book is not intended as an entertaining drama for a popular audience, but rather for a scholarly one that wants to know the real William Wallace. Each chapter is followed by endnotes that make the book an excellent research tool. Fisher includes several illustrations and portraits of Wallace--all high quality.

Fisher's work is an excellent contribution, if not the best, to the subject. His work wades through the folklore and legend and helps the reader see where history and legend divide. Unlike other works that cling to the Hollywood version of Wallace, Fisher makes history come alive and presents a Wallace that is human, limited and far more passionate than previously portrayed.

This book was a laborious read, as most works of history are. But the information didn't come as a bombardment, it came in morsels amidst a story that the reader wants to know. It is widely believed this is the definitive depiction of Wallace, and it is clear why, it is not solely about the man himself, but about the political climate and the players and the men in power around him.

One will come away with eyes opened, and will understand the enigma that is William Wallace a little better. It is a book without a life of it's own, but it does a great justice to Wallace's.

The one book (through Fisher) that sifts through the myths and facts about this Scottish hero.

As a student of Scottish history, I would reccomend this well written book to any serious follower of Scottish history.

This goes good with the other book that I have on him William Wallace: Guardiian of Scotland.
very helpful and interesting.

With someone with little background in medieval history this book was well over my head. It felt as if the author assumed the reader to have a basic background on the subject. I do not and was hoping to build one with this book. Obviously I was wrong.