From Pictland to Alba, 789-1070
Alex Woolf
£27.99
About this book
A vivid account of the changing religious, economic, social and cultural life of the fifteenth century kingdom
- Revisionary history on the notions of medieval kingship
- Appraises the legacy of the Stewart dynasty
- Key student text for Scottish History courses
The volume begins with the shaky foundation of the Stewart dynasty during the reign of Robert II (1371-1390) and traces its development to the demise at the Battle of Sauchieburn of James III (1460-1488) together with his exalted vision of Stewart kingship.
The author shows how and why the period is dominated by the growth of royal power and the concomitant eclipse of the regional aristocratic supremacies that had dominated fourteenth-century Scotland. His vivid accounts of the changing religious, economic, social and cultural life of the fifteenth century kingdom are woven into and around the central political narrative.
Reviews
Beginning with a wholly original analysis of the impact of Scotland’s fourteenth-century crisis of war, plague, and social change, Boardman sustains a fluent and convincing reassessment of the kingdom’s emergence as a late medieval state and community. An indispensable volume which shines new light on Scotland’s late medieval past.
Steve Boardman weaves together an absorbing narrative from a broader range of sources and perspectives than has ever been achieved before. The result is a 360-degrees account of the kingdom’s political development that is a masterpiece of historical writing.
Boardman has given us the benchmark overview of this turbulent century for the multi-faceted Scottish medieval kingdom. Conveyed with clarity, insight and timely humour, The First Stewart Dynasty crackles with the unique detective work needed to both illuminate and problematise the often-fragmented sources and the complex developments of the period.
Table of contents
Maps, Genealogical Tables and Illustrations
Acknowledgements
General Editor’s Preface
Introduction: Kings and Kingdoms in late medieval Europe
1. Robert the Steward and fourteenth-century Scotland
2. '1371 and All That''
3. The Lame King: Robert III 1390-1406
4. 'Scotland's Steersman': Robert, Duke of Albany
5. A God-given king? James I
6. James II (1437-1460)
7. A Realm 'badly and confusedly led'? The Reign of James III
Conclusion: 'Stands Scotland where it?'
Guide to Further Reading
Bibliography
Index
About the author
More in this series
See the series →