David II, 1329-71: The Bruce Dynasty in Scotland - Hardcover

Penman, Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1862322023 ISBN 13: 9781862322028

Publisher: Tuckwell Press Ltd, 2004

Synopsis

This in-depth study of four decades of crucially formative Scottish history. David II (1329-71), son of the hero King of Scots, Robert Bruce (1306-29), has suffered a harsh historical press, condemned as a disastrous general, a womanizer and a sympathizer with Scotland's "auld enemy", England. Bringing together evidence from Scotland, England and France, this study offers a different view: that of a child King who survived usurpation, English invasion, exile in France and 11 years of English captivity after defeat in battle in 1326 to emerge as a formidable ruler of Scotland. Learning from Philip VI of France and Edward III of England in turn, David became the charismatic patron of a vibrant court focused on the arts of chivalry: had he lived longer, Scotland's political landscape and national outlook might have been very different to that which emerged under his successors, the Stewart Kings. But David's was also a reign of internal tensions fuelled by his increasingly desperate efforts to determine the royal succession, overawe great magnates like his heir presumptive, Robert the Steward, and persuade his subjects of the need for closer relations with England after 60 years of war.

About this title

From the Author

This book has just been awarded the Saltire Society's Scottish History Book of the Year Award for 2004.

About the Author

Michael Penman is Lecturer in the Department of History, University of Stirling.

Edition details

• Publisher: Tuckwell Press Ltd
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1862322023
• ISBN 13: 9781862322028
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 476