Freedom’s Sword: The Scottish Wars of Independence - Hardcover

Traquair, Peter

3.76

34 ratings by Goodreads

9780004720791: Freedom’s Sword: The Scottish Wars of Independence

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0004720792 ISBN 13: 9780004720791

Publisher: Collins, 1998

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Freedom’s Sword is a popular history of the longest period of conflict between Scotland and England. Beginning with the true story of William Wallace and his rebellion (subject of the Mel Gibson movie Braveheart), it goes on to cover the spectacular career of Robert the Bruce, arguably Scotland’s most capable military leader of all time.

Freedom’s Sword continues after Bruce’s death, revealing how Scottish invasions of northern England were finally halted and peace negotiated at Berwick in 1357. (After that, English military efforts were concentrated against France, beginning the ‘Hundred Years War’).

Computer-generated maps reveal how Wallace outwitted the English army at Stirling Bridge and how Bruce achieved his incredible victory at Bannockburn. Peter Traquair’s text vividly describes this dramatic era of Anglo-Scottish conflict.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From the Back Cover:

‘For so long as a hundred of us remain alive, we will never in any way be bowed beneath the yoke of English domination; for it is not for glory, riches or honour that we fight, but for freedom alone, that which no man of worth yields up, save with his life’.
The Declaration of Arbroath, 1320

In 1997 Scotland voted to re-establish its parliament, a landmark decision that is likely to pave the way for an independent Scottish state. British political parties have wrapped themselves in tartan: John Major returned the Stone of Destiny; John Prescott retraced the steps if the English army defeated at the battle of Stirling Bridge and the Scottish National Party used the film 'Braveheart' to launch a recruitment drive, standing outside cinemas to hand out leaflets.

The film made William Wallace a household name, but it bore little relation to the historical truth. As 'Freedom’s Sword' reveals, this was quite unnecessary: there is more than enough drama in the real events of the Wars of Independence.

At a time when Scotland’s relationship with England is once again a major political issue, the past is being used to justify the present. 'Freedom’s Sword' is the first modern account of Scotland’s longest conflict with England, the series of wars that defined the border and poisoned Anglo-Scottish relations for 250 years.

Synopsis:

A popular history of the longest period of conflict between Scotland and England. It covers the story of William Wallace and his rebellion (subject of the Mel Gibson movie "Braveheart"), and goes on to explore the career of Robert the Bruce, arguably Scotland's most capable military leader ever. The text continues after Bruce's death, revealing how Scottish invasions of northern England were finally halted and peace negotiated at Berwick in 1357. (After that, English military efforts were concentrated against France, beginning the "Hundred Years War"). Illustrations show how the soldiers were armed and equipped during 60 years of medieval warfare. Computer-generated maps reveal how Wallace outwitted the English army at Stirling Bridge and how Bruce achieved his incredible victory at Bannockburn. Peter Winter's text vividly describes this dramatic era of Anglo-Scottish conflict.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.