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Bare-Arsed Banditti
They were modern doctors and lawyers, students and teachers, shoemakers and shopkeepers, farmers, gardeners and weavers. Children of the Age of Reason, they wrote poetry, discussed the latest ideas in philosophy and science - and rose in armed rebellion against the might of the British crown and government. Sons of a restless nation that had unwillingly surrendered its independence a mere generation before, some were bound by age-old ties of Highland kinship and loyalty. Others rallied to the cries of 'Prosperity to Scotland' and 'No Union!' Many faced agonising personal dilemmas before committing themselves to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Cause. Few had any illusions about the consequences of failure. Many met their date with destiny on Culloden Moor, players in a global conflict that shaped the world we live in today. Combining meticulous research with entertaining and stylish delivery, Maggie Craig tells the dramatic and moving stories of the men who were willing to risk everything for their vision of a better future for themselves, their families and Scotland.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 12, 2025
4.5 rounded up
General Thoughts: This was an inspiring read. Despite the fact that the more I read about the ‘45, the more devastating and gruesome it gets. This book was inspiring and full of hope. These men believed in the Stuart Cause so much that they were willing to give up everything: life, liberty, and their clan cultures - and so many did. Their belief is resilient and has lived on though.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - For the most part, the writing style was easy to read and kept my interest. Though there were a few times when it felt like okay we get it, get on with it already. And a few chapters and passages felt a bit long winded to me, as if Craig was searching for the right words while she was still writing.
Content: 4.5/5 - Despite a few times when it felt a bit repetitive (especially after just finishing Damn’ Rebel Bitches), the content was great. Deeply and thoughtfully researched. I appreciated how Craig covered a lot of Jacobites but also some men that fought on the Redcoat side, and even some who were in the middle. I also loved how it wasn’t just about Culloden. It covered before, during, and after the whole Uprising - and not just the “final battle”.
Enjoyment: 5/5 - I truly enjoyed reading this book and digging deeper into the ‘45.
Total: 14/3 = 4.6
General Thoughts: This was an inspiring read. Despite the fact that the more I read about the ‘45, the more devastating and gruesome it gets. This book was inspiring and full of hope. These men believed in the Stuart Cause so much that they were willing to give up everything: life, liberty, and their clan cultures - and so many did. Their belief is resilient and has lived on though.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - For the most part, the writing style was easy to read and kept my interest. Though there were a few times when it felt like okay we get it, get on with it already. And a few chapters and passages felt a bit long winded to me, as if Craig was searching for the right words while she was still writing.
Content: 4.5/5 - Despite a few times when it felt a bit repetitive (especially after just finishing Damn’ Rebel Bitches), the content was great. Deeply and thoughtfully researched. I appreciated how Craig covered a lot of Jacobites but also some men that fought on the Redcoat side, and even some who were in the middle. I also loved how it wasn’t just about Culloden. It covered before, during, and after the whole Uprising - and not just the “final battle”.
Enjoyment: 5/5 - I truly enjoyed reading this book and digging deeper into the ‘45.
Total: 14/3 = 4.6
July 6, 2025
Highly recommended
This book does a fantastic job of bringing history to life through the accounts of the men who witnessed and participated in the 45. Thoroughly researched, I'd recommend this to anyone who wishes to find out about the pivotal moment in Scottish (and British) history that was the jacobite uprising.
This book does a fantastic job of bringing history to life through the accounts of the men who witnessed and participated in the 45. Thoroughly researched, I'd recommend this to anyone who wishes to find out about the pivotal moment in Scottish (and British) history that was the jacobite uprising.
April 18, 2024
Bought in Tobermory and wanted to know more about the '45. Excellent and easy to read. The history of the 45 from the people who were there based on their letters and written reports. One gets a feeling of first hand experiences, worries and choices.
August 24, 2020
Fascinating and history made real and understandable although difficult to follow because of the vast number of similar named characters.
June 4, 2023
a re-read for a project - an excellent work - should be on the national curriculum - history brought to vivid life with style and warmth
September 20, 2024
A DNF at 50%. It's a fine book, but could not hold my interest.
July 29, 2015
Historical account of the period and people leading up the the calamitous Battle of Culloden Moor. After visiting Scotland and learning more of the heritage and history of this dark but daring time in Scotland I felt compelled to delve deeper. This book was referenced by our wonderful guide during the trip and I can say it does offer a glimpse of the honorable and not-so honorable people risked everything for Scotland.
October 30, 2015
Bare-Arsed Banditti relates in a lively manner brief biographical sketches of both Government and Jacobite participants in the '45. It's very informative and seemingly well-researched.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews