David II, 1329 - 71

by Michael Penman

This in-depth study of four decades of crucially formative Scottish history brings together evidence from Scotland, England, and France. A new assessment is offered of David II, son of the hero King of Scots Robert the Bruce. David is shown to be a child king who survived usurpation, English invasion, exile, and 11 years of English captivity to emerge as a formidable ruler of Scotland, a man who became the charismatic patron of a vibrant court focused on the arts of chivalry. The book argues that had he lived longer, Scotland's political landscape and national outlook might have been very different to that which emerged under his successors, the Stewart kings.

496 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Michael Penman is a senior lecturer in History at the University of Stirling.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was rather a hard read as it appeared to be record of the King David's movements throughout Scotland. His difficult relationship with his Stewart nephew and efforts to disinherit him in favor of a Plantagenet prince got a bit lost in the list of who attended him when he held councils on his travels or the list of attendees of parliament. It took me about a year to finish this book. Even when the crown did pass to the Stewarts it was a very uneasy head that wore it as the Stewarts all eyed it enviously. Glad I didn't buy it while I was in Scotland