Boudica's Last Stand: Britain's Revolt Against Rome AD 60-61

by John Waite

Re-examining the events which led to Boudica's last stand, this text provides a picture of a revolt crushed on a newly suggested battle site, offering a new interpretation of a battle that decided 2000 years of Britain's cultural heritage.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Historical

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

As a former soldier I have done plenty of other things which have given me a rich life experience to draw from.

I served for over 14 years as a police officer in my home town of Coventry, before spending 3 years as a Caseworker for the Law Society.

Then came the worst 3 years of my working life, employed in the offices of the local water company.

I currently work as a security officer at a local university and I'm always popping up in the local area doing talks on my books and the Roman world in general. I am, of course, completely absorbed by the Roman world of the 1st Century AD.

However, full-time work and part-time Romans aside, my ultimate dream is to become a full-time writer.

Finally, and most importantly,I am truly blessed to be married to my soul-mate, Helen. I also have two sons, Rob and Marcus. The Extended family consists of two cats; Nero and Pullo, a loopy Weimaraner called Luna and an even crazier Cocker Spaniel called Juno.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I know next to nothing about Boudica and the Celts on the British isles (or the Celts anywhere) at that time- I only remember s fee things about the Romans from my French history class a few years ago. This book was easy to read and did not require me to to additional reading or resesrch, fortunately. A good deal of background information is provided in the text itself.

[Kerry Hennigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book dense with historical detail, where such detail exists, that attempts to separate myth and romance from the known facts about the famous Iceni queen, Boudica who led a bloody revolt against Roman rule in Britain in AD 60-61.

Even the date of the revolt is a subject of scholarly debate, as is the location of the climactic battle as well as Boudica’s fate.

Waite also goes into considerable detail about the Roman forces in Britain and abroad, and in particular Paulinus, who had the job of crushing the revolt.

Though a book of small, compact text that can be tiring to read, there is a wealth of illuminating information of interest to anyone with a genuine fascination for the period, the events and the individuals involved in them. It’s worth persevering to get a complete picture and recent academic thinking on the revolt. (The book was originally published in 2007 and this edition dates from 2011).

Merciless slaughter occurred on both sides; reading this book will help explain why, though appreciating 1st century AD sensibilities in relation to warfare is almost impossible for the modern reader. One can only read, accept the evidence, and move on.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first full book I have read about Queen Boudica although I have researched her online. This book is amazing. Gives all the relevant known information about her and the times she lived in that we know. It's hard to write about someone with so little known facts, but the author does a great job while keeping the narrative interesting and engaging.
There is some informed speculation, as I think there has to be with such a story, but the author gives great arguments for his "gap-filling", and never ventures into straight out fictionalisation.
A great read, and a must have for anyone interested in the Iceni Queen's story.
5 stars because it gave me everything I wanted and a little bit more.

[Lizzie Bananas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good summary of the first generation of Romano-British (AD40s) all the way up to the battle in 71 AD.

Good knowledge of the known sources and good discernment of the flaws of the key sources while also understanding their utility.

Could do with more cross-references: some things were unclear but explained in the appendix particularly specific Roman army terminology. Such information is also widely available online these days

A modern version/new edition of this book may benefit from more images throughout as well as these cross-references.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was fine. I would have liked considerably more information, but I must admit this is hardly the author's fault. If you have no knowledge of Britannia at this time or Boudica, this book will suffice, but if you do have a decent amount of knowledge in the area, then this book will offer little more to you.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uses the word perchance. Long, wordy sentences makes dull reading. Plus I wasn't convinced by the History itself.

[Claire Biggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit hard going at first, but when you get into it, it is a good read on what limited information we have on Boudica

[Mordsith Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found this book gravely disappointing. While the author seems to know his stuff, the writing is truly execrable. It's as though he feels that convoluted sentence structure and elaborate (although often incorrect) grammar conveys erudition.

So bad I couldn't get much further than the second chapter. I might have another go in future, but for the moment I can't be bothered with it.

[David Charnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly there's an anachronistic political slant (e.g. describing Prasutagus as a quisling) which does tend to irritate, but it does disperse as the narrative becomes more focussed. The argument is consistent and compelling, and points of speculation are informed and realistic. Well worth a read to get to grips with an important time in Britain's story.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid. Author knows his stuff, writes to show it. Prose was a little leaden. Recommended for period nerds.