Throughout history, the Scottish warrior has been armed with some of the most famous and instantly recognisable weapons and armour ever produced. From the majestic Highland two-handed sword to the diminutive sgian dhu that tucks into the sock of every Scotsman in formal dress, to the distinctive leather shield or targe, these objects are redolent of great men and hard-fought battles such men as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and such battles as Stirling Bridge, Bannockburn, Flodden and Culloden. An important aspect of national heritage and folklore, Scottish weapons and armour are icons of valour and pride for millions worldwide. With a foreword by the Chief of the Clan Macnab, this pioneering study by Fergus Cannan examines the Scottish people at war and the armour and weaponry they have used on the battlefield from the Stone Age to the present day.
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"A fascinating and illuminating read which should be on the shelf of any self respecting family or military historian" – ANDY ROBERTSHAW, military historian and historical consultant to Steven Spielberg's War Horse and BBC TV's Two Men in a Trench.
“…fascinating … This book works well both for the expert and the Gaelic enthusiast – an excellent title from Shire” – MILITARY ILLUSTRATED
“… excellent … Rich in detail and meticulously researched … fascinating … [makes] you proud to be Scottish” – JOINT BOOK OF THE WEEK, GREENOCK TELEGRAPH
“... a comprehensive view of Scottish armour and weapons in this fully illustrated book” – RECOMMENDED ITEM, SKIRMISH MAGAZINE
“Fergus Cannan shows how Scottish weapons have developed from pre-historic axe-heads, through the bows and arrows of the Middle Ages, to the magnificent field dress weapons of Victorian troops. Archive photographs, maps and images of historic weapons help bring the text to life.” – SCOTTISH MEMORIES
“To all those with an interest in Scottish history I commend this book” – FROM THE BOOK’S FOREWORD BY JAMES CHARLES MACNAB OF MACNAB, 23RD CHIEF OF CLAN MACNAB
“…fascinating … This book works well both for the expert and the Gaelic enthusiast – an excellent title from Shire” – MILITARY ILLUSTRATED
“… excellent … Rich in detail and meticulously researched … fascinating … [makes] you proud to be Scottish” – JOINT BOOK OF THE WEEK, GREENOCK TELEGRAPH
“... a comprehensive view of Scottish armour and weapons in this fully illustrated book” – RECOMMENDED ITEM, SKIRMISH MAGAZINE
“Fergus Cannan shows how Scottish weapons have developed from pre-historic axe-heads, through the bows and arrows of the Middle Ages, to the magnificent field dress weapons of Victorian troops. Archive photographs, maps and images of historic weapons help bring the text to life.” – SCOTTISH MEMORIES
“To all those with an interest in Scottish history I commend this book” – FROM THE BOOK’S FOREWORD BY JAMES CHARLES MACNAB OF MACNAB, 23RD CHIEF OF CLAN MACNAB
About the Author
Fergus Cannan, the great-great-great-great-grandson of a Gaelic Highland poet, is a historian whose other publications include Galloglass 1250-1600: Gaelic Mercenary Warrior (2010). The author of many articles and a contributor to the Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages, he worked at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and is Associate Curator of Object of Devotion, an exhibition of the V&A's medieval English alabaster sculpture which is currently touring the United States.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Thomas Jones
Format:Paperback
Yet again, Cannan's depth of knowledge is breathtaking. His erudite and clear descriptions of not only the pieces themselves but also the age that surrounded them bring the subject so vividly alive that one is almost tempted to duck! While this may appear a niche item for an anorak-wearing specialist, Cannan's treatment makes it a fascinating read for anyone who has ever held a broom/tennis racket over their head and shouted "FREEDOM" or "THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!" when their wife/husband has popped to the shops (and be honest, who hasn't?!). Lively, engaging and written with charm and panache. The beautiful photos and illustrations are a joy.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Ross Cowan
Format:Paperback
Well-written and profusely illustrated, this is an excellent survey of not only Scottish arms and armour, but also of military organisation and modes of warfare in Scotland (and often Ireland) from the Middle Ages until the mid-18th century. The introductory chapter - concerning weapons and warfare in the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and early Middle Ages - is rather slight, but that is a minor gripe.
Format:Paperback
A rich and marvellously vivid read that lavishly illuminates the lives of these most rugged and hardy of ancient warriors like a bolt of lighting illuminating a most glorious of hidden landscapes as we sit atop a hill awaiting sunrise, our trusty claymore, a wee dram, a jug of mead and a round of shortbread our only shelter from the storm.
History cannot just be about the past and good historians will always join with the noble Sociologist in drawing upon and reflecting upon the present and the future for this is the key to mankind's greatest achievements. In this work Cannan has achieved precisely this; the past is vividly brought into the present, the fast flow of the writing combining with the richness of the illustrations and photographs vividly immerse the reader in this most illustrious history of our fair isle.
Scottish Arms and Armour by Fergus Cannan stands triumphant in its aims. The next time I stand and admire the rugged beauty of a Scottish landscape its history will be a little richer and its ancient peoples not so distant.
History cannot just be about the past and good historians will always join with the noble Sociologist in drawing upon and reflecting upon the present and the future for this is the key to mankind's greatest achievements. In this work Cannan has achieved precisely this; the past is vividly brought into the present, the fast flow of the writing combining with the richness of the illustrations and photographs vividly immerse the reader in this most illustrious history of our fair isle.
Scottish Arms and Armour by Fergus Cannan stands triumphant in its aims. The next time I stand and admire the rugged beauty of a Scottish landscape its history will be a little richer and its ancient peoples not so distant.
Format:Paperback
History is written by the victors and whilst in every war there are winners and those who survived one of the main things that changes over time is not only the construction but the variety of weaponry and ingenuity created by the Armourers of the time to overcome the foe.
What Fergus presents in this title is a book that is fascinating with clear illustrations backed up with wonderful photographs on a variety of tools utilised in most of the history of the Scots. It's fascinating, it's written in a friendly easy to comprehend style and when backed with an unbelievable depth of knowledge made this a title I really couldn't put down. One area that I'm never sure these titles are marketed at is the writer of fantasy or historical fiction, it's easy to use format as well as guide keeps this easy to follow and give the reader an unbelievable account of history from the sharp end. A real gem.
What Fergus presents in this title is a book that is fascinating with clear illustrations backed up with wonderful photographs on a variety of tools utilised in most of the history of the Scots. It's fascinating, it's written in a friendly easy to comprehend style and when backed with an unbelievable depth of knowledge made this a title I really couldn't put down. One area that I'm never sure these titles are marketed at is the writer of fantasy or historical fiction, it's easy to use format as well as guide keeps this easy to follow and give the reader an unbelievable account of history from the sharp end. A real gem.
Format:Paperback
For those who like their History accessible and full of passion this book is a must have! this well written and articulate book is ably aided by the superb illutrations that punctuate the pages bringing the history to life that is all too often lacking in stuffy books of old!
Look forward to more from this talented Historian an and author.
Look forward to more from this talented Historian an and author.
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