Sir William Wallace of Ellerslie is one of history's greatest heroes, but also one of its greatest enigmas - a shadowy figure whose edges have been blurred by myth and legend. Even the date and place of his birth have been mis-stated - until now. James Mackay uses all his skills as a historical detective to produce this definitive biography, telling the incredible story of a man who, without wealth or noble birth, rose to become Guardian of Scotland. William Wallace, with superb generalship and tactical genius, led a country with no previous warlike tradition to triumph gloriously over the much larger, better-armed and better-trained English forces. Seven hundred years later, the heroism and betrayal, the valiant deeds and the dark atrocities, and the struggle of a small nation against a brutal and powerful empire, still create a compelling tale.
William Wallace: Brave Heart
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Dramatic . . . a serious attempt to set Wallace's life in its historical context (The Herald)
Mackay's research and prose are meticulous . . . but just below the surface breathes a great sympathy for Wallace (Mail on Sunday)
This serious biography will provide entertaining and instructive reading for anyone who wishes to know about the career of an outstanding patriot (North Star)
Rich in detail and background . . . this is a fascinating study, ideal for anyone interested in either medieval history or the life of a brave, charismatic and noble Scot (Review 22)
Mackay's research and prose are meticulous . . . but just below the surface breathes a great sympathy for Wallace (Mail on Sunday)
This serious biography will provide entertaining and instructive reading for anyone who wishes to know about the career of an outstanding patriot (North Star)
Rich in detail and background . . . this is a fascinating study, ideal for anyone interested in either medieval history or the life of a brave, charismatic and noble Scot (Review 22)
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The definitive biography of one of history's greatest heroes
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
After the confusion of the first chapter the story of this great man unfolds to reveal courage and a national pride second to none, a fight for what was right and to put the evil dictatorship of the English to the sword once and for all. Forget the romanticism of Hollywood and be amazed by what these so called screen legends have left out of their version of the story. You won't be able to put it down and you will never forget.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an informative book. It gives a true picture of one of Scotland's biggest heroes in that country's fight for independence from England. I found that it was a slow read because I had to concentrate to keep all of the pertinent individuals straight. However, if you want to know more about him, this is a good pick.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I was of course inspired by the film to find out more about this incredible man. Mackay however tells a story which even the dream-makers of Hollywood must have found too much. Whilst there are elements of Wallace's life that do creep into the film, the real history is far more exciting than the film account which inexplicably ignores much of his eventful career. I guess the best way to look at it is to dismiss the big screen version as a fiction based on a character with the same name and read the book for a taste of some real derring-do!
9 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As a child of 9 I picked out the decor for my new room - Wallace Plaid - which dumbfounded my family since our Clans were MacGillivray, Ogilvie, Grant, Fraser and Montgomerie! But I thought Wallace such a great, sweeping figure. This was decades before Randall Wallace accidentally discovered William Wallace on a vacation in Scotland and read Anne Porter's Highland Chiefs. Wallace, to me, was such a true Patriot - not a Saint, but a man willing to go to the wall, to die for what he believed. Not many of us would walk in his shoes, so I have to admire his willingness to die for an idea.
James MacKay gives a richly details account of the Scottish clime of politics that formed and fermented Wallace. It might be a little bit more than the average reader would be interested in (I would suggest Grey's book on Wallace in that case), but for those wishing to know more without wading through Blind Harry, this is a wonderful work.
James MacKay gives a richly details account of the Scottish clime of politics that formed and fermented Wallace. It might be a little bit more than the average reader would be interested in (I would suggest Grey's book on Wallace in that case), but for those wishing to know more without wading through Blind Harry, this is a wonderful work.
A perfect gift to that friend that watched Braveheart more than once!!
10 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The first few chapters of this book require uncompromised attention. I do maths at university and the amount of dates given baffled me. There was too much information about people other than William Wallace and I found myself actively seeking for any parts that mentioned Wallace. If you want to read about William Wallace and what he achieved throughout his life then I would look elsewhere.
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