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Scotland's First War of Independence

Sarah Crome

Published by
Publisher: Auch Books

A review (©, 2000) by the author Sarah Crome
Original Copyright by Sarah Crome Sarah Crome. Used by permission of the author. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission of the author.

The subject of Scotland's Wars of Independence with England during the 13th and 14th centuries has been extensively written about, but no inclusive book on the subject has been available until now.  Scotland's First War of Independence fills the need for an accurate, illustrated account of those turbulent times. From the tragic death of Alexander III in 1286, through the English invasion of 1296 and the resistance of William Wallace, to the heroic success of King Robert I, and the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1328, Scotland's First War of Independence chronicles the struggle of the Scots to assert their nationhood. Scotland's First War of Independence gives a lavishly illustrated account of the period, making it accessible to a wide audience.  The book illustrates all the key locations that featured during the War, and covers a vast geographical area.  From Orkney in the north of Scotland, to Whithorn in the south, from the Vale of York in northern England to southern Ireland, the reader is led through the events, people and places that changed Scotland's destiny and shaped its relationship with its neighbours.

Scotland's First War of Independence is a superbly illustrated guide to one of the most tumultuous periods in British history. It is also the first comprehensive book on this subject to be produced.  From 1286 to 1330, it chronicles the period in detail, illustrates the key events with reconstruction illustrations, and guides the reader through the story with maps.  Artefacts and documents relating to the time are shown and stunning new landscape and building photography is shown in full colour. It provides a unique look at the locations, and takes the opportunity to show some less well-known sites not depicted elsewhere. Scotland's First War of Independence will appeal to everyone with an interest in Scotland; the maps and reproductions make this book ideal for school libraries, whilst the student of Scotland's history will keep a copy for reference at all times.

The book has a foreword by the late Nigel Tranter.
  "I have pleasure in expressing my esteem and admiration for this most ambitious, accurate and extraordinarily-detailed account of one of the most dramatic and significant periods in the history of both Scotland and England.  The author is to be congratulated on the conception and on the execution of this notable and indeed daunting project, on all the deep research necessary, and on the excellence, relevance and abundance of the illustrations.
  "As one who has himself been much engaged in the study and concern for this highly important chapter in our island's story, I commend this book to all discerning readers.  History is the memory of the races, and a nation which loses its memory is sad indeed, and not worthy to be called a nation.  Here is an enthralling account of one of the most tumultuous and momentous forty years of two nations."

Reviews:

• Stirling Observer:
  " 'Ms Crome has produced a work to be proud of'; 'The book's most striking feature is the excellent use of photographs, diagrams and drawings (many by the author) which accompany the text.  It looks great and helps to create a convincing impression of what 13th century Scotland must have been like.'; 'Scotland's First War of Independence is a good read.  It is well-researched and told with enthusiasm.' "
   
• Scots Magazine:
  "A well-illustrated guide to the turbulent years from 1286 to 1330 which chronicles the era in detail, illustrating the key events with reconstruction illustrations and maps."
   
• The Leopard:
  " 'I was content to sit back and let Mrs Crome tell me all'; 'The rich visual images are deftly associated with the text'; 'I thoroughly enjoyed this majestic succession of heraldic displays; the clever maps of battles and routes over land and sea' "
   

160 pages, 330 x 255mm hardback (portrait) with over 200 photographs, illustrations and maps
Price, UK and Eire: £17.95 including UK post and packing
Price, rest of world: £26.50 including airmail delivery.
Order securely on-line.

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