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Macbeth: Man and Myth
A study of Macbeth in all his historical, mythological and dramatic. Drawing upon a wide range of material, it begins by contextualizing the historical Macbeth in the turbulent politics of 11th century Scotland, then traces the origins of the myths surrounding the king before culminating in the dramatic figure immortalized by Shakespeare. The real Macbeth is disentangled from the mythical creation.
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 1, 2016
This was a very thorough book on the historical background of Macbeth, the historical figure, not the Shakespeare character.
I got this on recommendation from a historian and I can see how this would be a great read for someone who has an interest in medieval Scotland.
For me, much of the detail was too complex. That is not a criticism of the book, but a reflection of my own knowledge and interest in this particular era in history.
However, the book did answer the questions I had about Macbeth's background, the differences between the play and historical facts, and the background to the issues of succession in this particular era.
I got this on recommendation from a historian and I can see how this would be a great read for someone who has an interest in medieval Scotland.
For me, much of the detail was too complex. That is not a criticism of the book, but a reflection of my own knowledge and interest in this particular era in history.
However, the book did answer the questions I had about Macbeth's background, the differences between the play and historical facts, and the background to the issues of succession in this particular era.
September 1, 2024
A detailed look at the historical Macbeth. Tying together known mentions in other historical figures bios, I.e., Cnut.
We don’t know much about this King of the Scots. He was likely very tall, ruddy complexion and blond. His wife had a name, Gruoch, and they were both grandchildren of prior Kings. He visited Rome and ruled for 17 years. The elaborate Pictish inheritance dance is still a maze to me versus the easily understood primogeniture but Macbeth was a real man who had rights to the titles he took.
We don’t know much about this King of the Scots. He was likely very tall, ruddy complexion and blond. His wife had a name, Gruoch, and they were both grandchildren of prior Kings. He visited Rome and ruled for 17 years. The elaborate Pictish inheritance dance is still a maze to me versus the easily understood primogeniture but Macbeth was a real man who had rights to the titles he took.
December 11, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in August 2001.
Because of Shakespeare's play, Macbeth is easily the most famous Scottish king (Mary Queen of Scots may be the country's most famous monarch). However, the drama's version of his life bears little relation to the small amount of contemporary information about him. Aitchison's book attempts to put what we do know in the context of early medieval Scotland, and then to examine how and why the myth enshrined in the play developed.
Basically, the only fact common to the known facts and the myth is the murder of Duncan, and this is crucial to understanding it. Until about the tenth century, when Macbeth lived, murder was the most common cause of death for Scottish kings. Their system of succession was the reason for this; the kingship alternated between different branches of the royal family, and when a lengthy reign began to make it look as though a turn might be missed, murder was the common and acceptable solution. Macbeth had even more justification, for Duncan was the grandson of the previous king, Malcolm II, who had tried to change the rules to a patrilinear succession of the eldest son. Thus Duncan's kingship (also marked by military failures, not a propitious sign for his regime) threatened the existence of Macbeth's right to the throne.
So if his "crime" was justified by the rules of the period, and given that Macbeth went on to become a successful monarch (having a long reign, and a country stable enough for him to become the only Scottish king to make the pilgrimage to Rome), why did he become the centre of the story of treachery and witchcraft current by the end of the medieval period? The key to this is in the success of Duncan's son Malcolm III in completing the change in the rules of succession; from Duncan are descended all the Scottish kings after 1058. This line had every interest in promoting the legitimacy of their rule, especially as the English were beginning to interfere in Scottish affairs, and so they portrayed Macbeth as an usurping criminal - he was an early victim of political spin. The other elements gradually crept in until the story we know today appeared in the history of Boece (1527) and the chronicles of Holinshed (1577), the source for many of Shakespeare's historical plays.
The story is fascinating, for anyone interested in early medieval history or in the way in which stories develop. Aitchison tells it well, making quite academic points in a clear and easily understood manner. In some places, the book is marred by over-repetition, and the final section about the places associated with Macbeth is dull, but in general this is an excellent book.
Because of Shakespeare's play, Macbeth is easily the most famous Scottish king (Mary Queen of Scots may be the country's most famous monarch). However, the drama's version of his life bears little relation to the small amount of contemporary information about him. Aitchison's book attempts to put what we do know in the context of early medieval Scotland, and then to examine how and why the myth enshrined in the play developed.
Basically, the only fact common to the known facts and the myth is the murder of Duncan, and this is crucial to understanding it. Until about the tenth century, when Macbeth lived, murder was the most common cause of death for Scottish kings. Their system of succession was the reason for this; the kingship alternated between different branches of the royal family, and when a lengthy reign began to make it look as though a turn might be missed, murder was the common and acceptable solution. Macbeth had even more justification, for Duncan was the grandson of the previous king, Malcolm II, who had tried to change the rules to a patrilinear succession of the eldest son. Thus Duncan's kingship (also marked by military failures, not a propitious sign for his regime) threatened the existence of Macbeth's right to the throne.
So if his "crime" was justified by the rules of the period, and given that Macbeth went on to become a successful monarch (having a long reign, and a country stable enough for him to become the only Scottish king to make the pilgrimage to Rome), why did he become the centre of the story of treachery and witchcraft current by the end of the medieval period? The key to this is in the success of Duncan's son Malcolm III in completing the change in the rules of succession; from Duncan are descended all the Scottish kings after 1058. This line had every interest in promoting the legitimacy of their rule, especially as the English were beginning to interfere in Scottish affairs, and so they portrayed Macbeth as an usurping criminal - he was an early victim of political spin. The other elements gradually crept in until the story we know today appeared in the history of Boece (1527) and the chronicles of Holinshed (1577), the source for many of Shakespeare's historical plays.
The story is fascinating, for anyone interested in early medieval history or in the way in which stories develop. Aitchison tells it well, making quite academic points in a clear and easily understood manner. In some places, the book is marred by over-repetition, and the final section about the places associated with Macbeth is dull, but in general this is an excellent book.
February 11, 2008
Macbeth: Man and Myth, by Nick Aitchison, presents evidence to show the difference between who Macbeth really was and the mythological Macbeth that most people associate with Shakespeare’s play. Aitchison has previously published books on the topics of medieval times, and he earned his PhD at Glasgow University.
Very little has survived from 11th century Scotland, and we may never know who the real Macbeth was. The country’s history has been re-written many times, often to suit the sensibilities of the current rulers, so the history has been altered each time it was re-written. Sometimes the history was re-written by someone outside of Scotland, lending to inaccuracies in translation.
Macbeth is an incredibly well-researched book, yet I was impressed with how easily comprehensible it is.
The book concentrates on three areas. First, it presents the extremely small amount of tangible evidence we now have of 11th century Scotland. Then, it shows how this evidence either proves or leaves unconfirmed current beliefs of who Macbeth was, what he did, and where he did it. Last of all, there are visits to the sites the myths hold as important places in Macbeth’s life, and we’re shown how those are most likely erroneous.
Aitchison doesn’t let his personal feelings show. He just presents the facts and arguments as to why they do or do not collaborate with the life of Macbeth.
Dozens of plates are included showing historical documents, tapestries, maps, and photos, all of which add to the immediacy of the text.
Even if you only know Shakespeare’s Macbeth you will enjoy this book. It will also appeal to anyone interested in the history of Scotland, it’s lineage of kings, or the study of medieval times.
This is a book I will keep on my shelf for future reference!
Very little has survived from 11th century Scotland, and we may never know who the real Macbeth was. The country’s history has been re-written many times, often to suit the sensibilities of the current rulers, so the history has been altered each time it was re-written. Sometimes the history was re-written by someone outside of Scotland, lending to inaccuracies in translation.
Macbeth is an incredibly well-researched book, yet I was impressed with how easily comprehensible it is.
The book concentrates on three areas. First, it presents the extremely small amount of tangible evidence we now have of 11th century Scotland. Then, it shows how this evidence either proves or leaves unconfirmed current beliefs of who Macbeth was, what he did, and where he did it. Last of all, there are visits to the sites the myths hold as important places in Macbeth’s life, and we’re shown how those are most likely erroneous.
Aitchison doesn’t let his personal feelings show. He just presents the facts and arguments as to why they do or do not collaborate with the life of Macbeth.
Dozens of plates are included showing historical documents, tapestries, maps, and photos, all of which add to the immediacy of the text.
Even if you only know Shakespeare’s Macbeth you will enjoy this book. It will also appeal to anyone interested in the history of Scotland, it’s lineage of kings, or the study of medieval times.
This is a book I will keep on my shelf for future reference!
June 21, 2015
It was interesting but not exactly riveting. MacBeth wasn't the first member of the royal kin group to remove a king and Duncan had the lost battles he started, never a good portent or something to inspire your nobles. Malcolm II tried going against tradition by choosing his successor instead of his mormaers choosing the most capable successor. Malcolm III's becoming king didn't bring peace to Scotland as members of the Moray kin group and the sons of his first wife would challenge his dynasty right to the crown. The summation is that we don't where his seat of power was or where he and Lulach are buried though it tradition says on Iona. I found On the Trail of the Real Macbeth, King of Alba by Cameron Taylor and MacBeth by Fiona Watson more interesting. Taylor's a history and travel guide while Watson's was a very detailed history.
September 28, 2012
An interesting book from which I got one or two useful quotations for my dissertation. Not crucial reading for gaining an appreciation of Shakespeare's play, but I would recommend it to those who have an interest in the history and geography of Scotland from BC to modern day.
June 20, 2008
This book uses Macbeth as a vehicle to study 11th century Scotland and its power struggles.
January 13, 2017
Lots of good details, clear illustrations, but quite dense in places. The real Macbeth seems to be a hard man to pin down.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews