William Wallace

Oct 26, 2024 1:21 AM

Author:James Mackay

William Wallace

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.

Reviews

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

Rediscovers the Underground

—— The Times

Awesome

—— Shaun Keaveny , BBC Radio 6 Music

Mason may have made himself the Bill Bryson of our capital city

—— The Bookseller

I was charmed by the book's profusion of insightful anecdotes and fascinating trivia

—— Walk Magazine

A brilliant panorama of the past 55 years... Where Wilson excels is in the mixture of fact, gossip and waspish thumbnail character sketches... Overall, Wilson's analysis of our age is inspired

—— Piers Paul Read , Standpoint

Wilson has produced a scintillating, coruscating indictment of British national collapse since the 19th century ... Under Wilson's pen, such a history is richly told

—— Tristram Hunt , Guardian

Gives a wonderful sense of Macmillan's complexity and stature

—— Blair Worden , Spectator, Christmas round up

A spellbinding insight into the fascinating character of one of the most remarkable politicians of the 20th century.

—— Archie Norman , Evening Standard, Christmas round up

A solidly buttressed biography that parallels his earlier works... Supermac is crammed full with interesting facts, germane and diverting by turns

—— Peter Clarke , TLS

Thorpe's superb biography leaves no primary source untapped, and bountiful anecdotes make this account of a truly three-dimensional character a joy to read.

—— Telegraph

Bringing together 35 years of research this biography of Harold Macmillan looks at both his personal and political achievements, conflicts, and events that defined his time. From Eton to prime minister, this is a compelling read.

—— Charlotte Vowden , Daily Express

He is an Aston Martin DB6 kind of writer, who is very English, very stately

—— Anthony Seldon , The Browser

Scholarly, and thoroughly researched, Supermac should nevertheless appeal to the general reader through the accessibility of its proce and the assistance offered by placing events in historical context... Humane, benevolent, and considerable; much like its subject

—— Dr Martin Farr , BBC History Magazine

The best biography of a post-war British Prime Minister yet written.

—— Vernon Bogdanor, Professor of Government at Oxford University

A unique and astonishing social history book which is revolutionary in its concept, informative and entertaining

—— History magazine

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