Medieval Scotland

Cambridge Medieval Textbooks

by A.D.M. Barrell

This is a one-volume history of medieval Scotland, concentrating on the period between the middle of the eleventh century and the Reformation and taking full account of recent scholarship. It is primarily a political and ecclesiastical study, analysing the development of the institutions of the Scottish state, conflict and co-operation between the crown and the nobility, relations with external powers, the history of the church in Scotland, and the formation of a distinctive Scottish identity. The Wars of Independence are examined in their historical context, and elements of identity and change are identified across the whole period. Particular emphasis is placed upon relations between core and periphery in medieval Scotland and on the difficulties experienced by the crown in imposing royal authority in the north and west.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval History, Medieval

296 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2000

About the author

Andrew D.M. Barrell...

Reviews

[Steve Bivans · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the whole, the book is well written and argued, if lacking in depth in certain areas. Barrell does a fair job of placing medieval Scotland within the greater European context, but this could have been stressed more, especially with regards to France, Ireland and Scandinavia. The focus is also more on the later period, after 1300 A.D., so the earlier centuries are slighted a bit. That aside, the book is recommended for those who wish to understand the basics of Scottish medieval history and Scotland’s place in the European development of kingship, national identity and the church.