William Wallace: Brave Heart

Description

Sir William Wallace of Ellerslie, now the subject of a major film, is one of history's greatest heroes, and one of its greatest enigmas - a figure whose edges have been blurred by myth and legend. Even the date and place of his birth have been mis-stated. This biography tells of a man who, without wealth or noble birth, rose to become the Guardian of Scotland. It describes the heroism and betrayal, the valiant deeds and attrocities, and the struggle of a small nation against a brutal empire.

Dr James Mackay was an award-winning author and historian, and was widely regarded as the world's greatest authority on the life and works of Robert Burns. As well as his definitive biography, Burns, winner of the Saltire Award for Scottish Book of the Year, he published accounts of the lives of the great Scottish patriot William Wallace and the Irish statesman Michael Collins. He was also the author of biographies of the celebrated detective Allan Pinkerton (The Eye Who Never Slept), the poet Robert Service (Vagabond of Verse) and Alexander Graham Bell (Sounds Out of Silence).

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 *