Fiona J. Watson

War truly begins when the invading army, conquest complete, goes home. It is the relationship between the native population and those remaining behind as part of the new administration which holds the key to our understanding of not only the mechanisms of conquest, but also the fundamental elements of government desired by societies. Nowhere is this more convincingly demonstrated than in the attempted annexation of Scotland by Edward I of England, already conqueror of Wales. The Scotland of Wallace and Bruce nearly succumbed, having wrestled with contradictory desires for independence, and for stability and united government, for nearly a decade. The fact that, ultimately, she did not give in illustrates that patriotism does indeed play a central role in discussions of war and conquest. Fiona Watson examines the process of conquest and attempted colonisation of one medieval kingdom by another, concentrating on that most vital aspect of conquest: the maintenance of garrisons. She shows how the kingdom of Scotland was able to marshal its resources and create a coherent and cohesive national front to deal with a more powerful enemy.Under the Hammer provides a much clearer picture of medieval Scotland - its varying component parts; its sense of self, its strengths and weakness. Much of this will surprise.

Edward I and Scotland, 1286-1306

Under the Hammer

A lively new history from one of Scotland's brightest young historians.

From Prehistory to the Present

Scotland

T. C. Smout

T. Christopher Smout

Alan R. MacDonald

REVIEWS OF PREVIOUS EDITIONS:'An authoritative, readable and attractively illustrated book... it is likely to be a much cited, definitive work for a long time to come.'Ian Whyte, Landscape History'I thoroughly recommend it to ecologists, historians, and anyone liking a good story.'Oliver Rackham, Agricultural History Review'This well-produced book has been a great pleasure for me to read and, indeed, I wish it had been written years ago so I could have recommended it during my course on Quaternary paleoecology... Every one of the colour plates is appropriate and attractive....I stress again my admiration of this book.'James H Dickson, Environmental History (January 2006)'An excellent combination of detailed case studies and more general reviews... a particular strength of the book is that it does not deal with these industries in isolation, but shows how the management, felling and regeneration of trees and woodlands was intricately connected with grazing... The careful analysis by the authors of a wide range of sources is exemplary and the results are of great interest and value. Edinburgh University Press should be congratulated for the high production quality, including excellent colour plates, historical photographs, and maps and diagrams. This important book should be required reading for all interested in the economic and environmental history of the woodlands.'Charles Watkins, Economic History Review'[Tells] the more fundamental story of trees and woods in our history, in great detail, but always with a firm sense of narrative. It is a tribute not only to the authors' multidisciplinary talents but also to the renaissance of woodland studies north of the border.'British WildlifeNow available in paperback, the first modern history of Scottish woodlands explores the changing relationship between trees and people from the time of Scotland's first settlement, focusing on the period 1500 to 1920. Drawing on work in natural science, geography and histo

A History of the Native Woodlands of Scotland, 1500-1920

Thanks to William Shakespeare, the name Macbeth has become byword for political ambition realised by bloody violence. The character of Macbeth in the celebrated Shakespearean tragedy is based on an actual Scottish king who lived and died five hundred years before he was immortalised. However, the Macbeth thus conjured up bears almost no resemblance whatsoever to the king who ruled Scotland between 1040 and 1057. In fact, it is difficult to exaggerate how great an injustice history and Shakespeare have inflicted on Mac Bethad mac Findláich. Fiona Watson has uncovered, buried beneath the layers of myth, a history that is entirely different from, but just as extraordinary as, that recounted by Shakespeare. The historical Macbeth was a remarkable man living in turbulent times. As ruler of Alba (Scotland) he sat on one of the oldest and most established thrones in Western Europe. It is true that he killed Duncan, the previous king, but this was the normal, if brutal, method of regime change in Dark Age Scotland. Duncan's rash behaviour, culminating in a humiliating military defeat in northern England, was reason enough to prompt his removal before Scotland's security was further compromised. The reality is that Macbeth quickly established himself as an effective and popular ruler. As a Celtic warrior-king, he was responsible for the maintenance of his people's dominance of northern Britain. A friend to the Church and valiant protector of his people, the real Macbeth epitomised the contemporary model of vigorous medieval kingship. His fascinating story, long overdue in the telling, is done full justice in Fiona Watson's authoritative and compelling narrative.

Fiona J. Watson

About

Books

Join the club