The best North-East historical book., 9 Jun 2003

The whole genre of military history is rife with the dry and dusty treatment of those with a purely academic approach and presentation, such that often as not the very serious discussion of the weapons and tactics used neglect and overtake the more fundamental questions as to "why?". So while this book can easily meet the demands of the more serious scholar - in that is incredibly well researched (with a full bibliography of further reading), and has clear diagrams and maps aplenty that serve to explain the disposition of terrain and participants - there is so much more on offer. Each of the sections is presented with a whole analysis of the political and sociological background to the era, which when coupled with the individual details for each of the battles, results in a complete setting to the ensuing conflict. Its discussions of the events of the day are then vivid and exciting, leading in each case to a concluding section on the aftermath and the wider context of the result. Furthermore, the accompanying photographs are wonderfully evocative (partly because they are in black & white, but also because I know the photographer and his eye for capturing the distinctive landscape). If anything they inspire you to visit the sites - which is the very effect anticipated by the text, such that it includes specific details on each of the battlefields today. As for its actual contents in brief: it starts off in grand style with the age old discussion as to the location of the battle of Mons Graupius in AD 84 (concluding on Benachie) and from there through Dark Age sites such as Nechtansmere and Mortlach, to the medieval clan feuds and lowland-highland clashes such as Harlaw and Bruces campaigns, right up to the civil war activities of Montrose and to the North-Easts' role in the prelude to the '46. Basically, it's all here - every recorded clash of arms from Forfar to Forres.

If you live in the North-East (and here I must confess, this is where I grew up), or happen to visit, or are interested in its history - then this book will open your eyes to how its people have played their part in events that have gone on to shape the present.

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