What do you think?
Rate this book
The History Behind Game of Thrones: The North Remembers
The true history behind the hit HBO fantasy show and George R. R. Martin’s bestselling Fire and Ice series. A wall in the distant north cuts the world in two. Ruthless sea-born warriors raid the coasts from their war galleys. A young nobleman and his kin are slaughtered under a banner of truce within a mighty castle. A warrior king becomes a legend when he smites his foe with one swing of his axe during a nation-forging battle. Yet this isn’t Westeros—it’s Scotland. Game of Thrones is history re-imagined as fantasy. The History Behind Game of Thrones turns the tables, using George R. R. Martin’s extraordinary fictional universe as a way to understand the driving forces and defining moments from Scotland’s story. Why were castles so important? Was there a limit to the powers a medieval king could use—or abuse? What was the reality of being under siege? Was there really anything that can compare to the destructive force of dragons? By joining forces, Westeros and Scotland hold the answers. Writer and presenter David C. Weinczok draws on a vast array of characters, events, places, and themes from Scottish history that echo Game of Thrones at every dramatic turn. Visit the castle where the real Red Wedding transpired, encounter the fearsome historical tribes beyond Rome’s great wall, learn how a blood-red heart became the most feared sigil in Scotland, and much more. By journey’s end, the cogs in the wheels of Martin’s world and Scottish history will be laid bare, as well as the stories of those who tried to shape—and sometimes even break—them.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2020
77 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Read
February 25, 2020Absolutely amazing! Great for fans of GOT, that want a feeling of Westeros!
April 28, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is a fantastic book for any Game of Thrones fan (like me!). It explains the history relating the books (the north) to Scotland and I found it a fascinating read and it pieced so many things together in my mind.
The castles are just amazing too!
A fantastic read if you love history or castles or are a game of thrones fan!
This is a fantastic book for any Game of Thrones fan (like me!). It explains the history relating the books (the north) to Scotland and I found it a fascinating read and it pieced so many things together in my mind.
The castles are just amazing too!
A fantastic read if you love history or castles or are a game of thrones fan!
March 3, 2020
5 stars
Fantastic book!
When I read the Game of Thrones (still waiting for book six!), I had envisioned Scotland and England. I just knew that the “wall” was probably Hadrian's Wall, and was able to identify other locations as well.
This book illustrates it all so well: the locations and the countryside – even the history of Scotland. I did not tie together the “Red Wedding” and the massacre described in this book. Oh, heck, as I slapped my forehead.
Mr. Weinczok's book makes history very interesting and easy to read and understand. Very well done, sir!! And the castles – ooohh – got to love them.
I want to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this most delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Fantastic book!
When I read the Game of Thrones (still waiting for book six!), I had envisioned Scotland and England. I just knew that the “wall” was probably Hadrian's Wall, and was able to identify other locations as well.
This book illustrates it all so well: the locations and the countryside – even the history of Scotland. I did not tie together the “Red Wedding” and the massacre described in this book. Oh, heck, as I slapped my forehead.
Mr. Weinczok's book makes history very interesting and easy to read and understand. Very well done, sir!! And the castles – ooohh – got to love them.
I want to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this most delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.
March 27, 2020
So first off, I am a giant fan of both history and Game of Thrones so I was beyond excited to get a chance to read this book because hello, two of my favorite things combined in one place.
So in my usual reviewer hat manner, first the good things, I absolutely devoured the writing, the style was easy, fun, and educational without being too text book like and would likely appeal both to history fans and fantasy fans alike. The book was meticulously researched as it moved literally from the study of the land of Westeros and Scotland, all the way to the history that connected the two worlds. And the book was just really enjoyable to read so good job David Weinczok.
And now, for the not so good. The ending was entirely too abrupt. It’s like one page I’m reading about the Massacre of Glencoe and the next page is footnotes. There is zero transition, zero tying up all ends, basically zero ending, it just stops. People will not like that, . Secondly I would strongly recommend putting the illustrations within the individual chapters rather than the very end after footnotes. I know I am not the only history reader who enjoys pictures in harmony with the chapters especially if the photos show places, things and people that are talked about,
Just some of my notes.
So in my usual reviewer hat manner, first the good things, I absolutely devoured the writing, the style was easy, fun, and educational without being too text book like and would likely appeal both to history fans and fantasy fans alike. The book was meticulously researched as it moved literally from the study of the land of Westeros and Scotland, all the way to the history that connected the two worlds. And the book was just really enjoyable to read so good job David Weinczok.
And now, for the not so good. The ending was entirely too abrupt. It’s like one page I’m reading about the Massacre of Glencoe and the next page is footnotes. There is zero transition, zero tying up all ends, basically zero ending, it just stops. People will not like that, . Secondly I would strongly recommend putting the illustrations within the individual chapters rather than the very end after footnotes. I know I am not the only history reader who enjoys pictures in harmony with the chapters especially if the photos show places, things and people that are talked about,
Just some of my notes.
July 5, 2022
The History Behind Game of Thrones was a very, very enjoyable, and readable book. I'm saying this even as someone who hasn't watched Game of Thrones!
I love the exploration of how not just historical figures and events, but the landscape, buildings and the natural environment have an impact on people and were incorporated into the story. It gave me a new appreciation for the landscape of Scotland and want to take another trip there.
I didn't totally agree with all the author's interpretations. I don't think the Battle of the Bastards was based on Bannockburn, everything I've read suggests it was modelled on a couple of battles in the Wars of the Roses, and I think the proposed connections between Tywin Lannister and Edward I are kind are tenuous.
However, I found myself captivated by most of the book, and that doesn't happen often for me. Especially not with a history book.
Thanks to Rosie Crofts of Pen and Sword for sending me a copy of this title as a member of their Review program. This in no way influenced my opinions which are entirely my own.
I love the exploration of how not just historical figures and events, but the landscape, buildings and the natural environment have an impact on people and were incorporated into the story. It gave me a new appreciation for the landscape of Scotland and want to take another trip there.
I didn't totally agree with all the author's interpretations. I don't think the Battle of the Bastards was based on Bannockburn, everything I've read suggests it was modelled on a couple of battles in the Wars of the Roses, and I think the proposed connections between Tywin Lannister and Edward I are kind are tenuous.
However, I found myself captivated by most of the book, and that doesn't happen often for me. Especially not with a history book.
Thanks to Rosie Crofts of Pen and Sword for sending me a copy of this title as a member of their Review program. This in no way influenced my opinions which are entirely my own.
May 28, 2020
First of all, I must say that I LOVED The Game of Thrones and secondly I adore Scottish History, so imagine my chagrin when I realized that this book is how and where GOT took inspiration from Scottish history. It already had me on the first page, and then once it mentioned Stirling, I was done in. Mary, Queen of Scots is another obsession of mine. I loved this book. I always wondered how George R. R. Martin came up with his storylines. Well, here it all is, in Scottish history! I’m awed by how much the Scottish geology had to do with battles fought, the mountains, crags, glens and lochs. There are the Vikings, Dumbarton Rock, sea and sky and stone. Hmmmm, the beginnings of Outlander? David C. Weinczok has written an incredibly interesting book, and I loved every chapter. This is most assuredly the quintessential history and must-read for GOT buffs!
It brought me back to every single episode of that iconic television series!
It brought me back to every single episode of that iconic television series!
May 2, 2020
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
You can read the full review also on my blog https://booknotesbyathina.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed reading this non-fiction book about the history behind Game of Thrones. The author tried to connect the events, people, and places of Game of Thrones with real ones from the history of Scotland and he did a very good job. I didn't know much about thw Scottish history and this book was a good introduction for me.
The book is very weel researched and written and it was easy to get through. The truth is that I learned a lot.
However, I would prefer it if the illustrations were throughout the book and not at the end. It would be easier to follow (especially if you read an ebook as I did).
Despite that, if you are a fan of Game of Thrones or/and history you should pick this book up.
You can read the full review also on my blog https://booknotesbyathina.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed reading this non-fiction book about the history behind Game of Thrones. The author tried to connect the events, people, and places of Game of Thrones with real ones from the history of Scotland and he did a very good job. I didn't know much about thw Scottish history and this book was a good introduction for me.
The book is very weel researched and written and it was easy to get through. The truth is that I learned a lot.
However, I would prefer it if the illustrations were throughout the book and not at the end. It would be easier to follow (especially if you read an ebook as I did).
Despite that, if you are a fan of Game of Thrones or/and history you should pick this book up.
April 23, 2025
History, but with dragons references. The only way you can get me to read something educational
February 25, 2020
Ok!!!!! Yes!!! This is amazing for GOT fans. I am obsessed with Scotland and this takes fiction to reality. I have only skimmed through, so I will update my review more thoroughly later, however it is excellent!! It is a phenomenal perspective that brings Westeros to life. The descriptors are so strong you can feel the cold on your skin from outside the pages. Outstanding!!!!
*Thank you thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy for my humble and honest review.
*Thank you thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy for my humble and honest review.
March 27, 2021
Loved every bit of it. David C. Weinczok is a very skilled writer who weaves Scottish History with Game of Thrones events in such a way that you can't put the book down. An absolute must of a read for anyone who is a fan of the TV Series, the saga by George R.R. Martin or Scottish History.
March 25, 2022
Introduction to a history I did not know a lot about. Seeing the show intersect with history was fun. The Black Dinner wow.
February 26, 2024
The Iron Islands were inspired by the Norse kingdoms of the Hebrides. The wall in the north is an exaggeration of Hadrian's Wall. The free folk beyond the wall were inspired by the Caledonians, the ancestors of the Scots whom the Romans tried to conquer. Tywin Lannister is loosely based on Edward I. The Red Wedding was loosely based on the Black Diner.
This enjoyable book unpacks the history—specifically Scottish history—behind Game of Thrones, a TV show which was widely regarded as the pinnacle of human civilization before it started to suck, leaving everyone disappointed and pissed off. George R. R. Martin distilled millennia of European history into the world he created. This book focuses almost exclusively on the Scottish elements of that history; the War of the Roses is only mentioned in passing.
Still Scotland is cool and you'll learn a lot. The book presumes some familiarity with Scotland. The author is based in Edinburgh and it seems he wrote it with a Scottish audience in mind, or at least readers who have heard of Inverness. As a result I spent a fair of amount of time looking up various castles on Wikipedia, and consulting Google maps to get an idea of where the Firth of Forth was, exactly. I've been to Edinburgh and it's awesome, but for me the rest of Scotland is a hazy fog of Braveheart scenery and Belle and Sebastian lyrics.
I first listened to the audiobook and then read a physical copy, so technically I read it twice. I recommend the audiobook. It corrects a number of typos in the print edition, plus the narrator is phenomenal, and rescues the somewhat stilted prose through sheer enthusiasm of his delivery. But the book has pictures! A lot of the material was interesting, but the overall writing style felt like a college term paper to me.
This enjoyable book unpacks the history—specifically Scottish history—behind Game of Thrones, a TV show which was widely regarded as the pinnacle of human civilization before it started to suck, leaving everyone disappointed and pissed off. George R. R. Martin distilled millennia of European history into the world he created. This book focuses almost exclusively on the Scottish elements of that history; the War of the Roses is only mentioned in passing.
Still Scotland is cool and you'll learn a lot. The book presumes some familiarity with Scotland. The author is based in Edinburgh and it seems he wrote it with a Scottish audience in mind, or at least readers who have heard of Inverness. As a result I spent a fair of amount of time looking up various castles on Wikipedia, and consulting Google maps to get an idea of where the Firth of Forth was, exactly. I've been to Edinburgh and it's awesome, but for me the rest of Scotland is a hazy fog of Braveheart scenery and Belle and Sebastian lyrics.
I first listened to the audiobook and then read a physical copy, so technically I read it twice. I recommend the audiobook. It corrects a number of typos in the print edition, plus the narrator is phenomenal, and rescues the somewhat stilted prose through sheer enthusiasm of his delivery. But the book has pictures! A lot of the material was interesting, but the overall writing style felt like a college term paper to me.
May 5, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: My entire family were and are huge fans of Game of Thrones, both book and series. We have been enthralled by the world created by George R R Martin and others. As history buffs, we were able to see themes and events that mirrored history and appreciate the richness of Westeros and beyond. But this book really covers it in a highly convincing way, with many a footnote, as the author compares GOT with real Scottish history.
He looks at the geographical similarities of the areas of Scotland with the GOT places. He then brings in the characters and events that the particular geography encouraged such as the Iron Islands and the islands off the coast of Scotland. He does a very good job in making his case and supporting it. We see The North, The Riverlands, and The Twins were spawned by imagination and fact. We see how the Castles of Scotland are mirrored in GOT as well. It would be hard to argue his thesis.
What I found most fascinating was the comparison of fictional and historical figures. Clearly there was an influence and many of the events shown on screen and in the book, had their genesis in fact. Even The Red Wedding has historical precedent . Yes, there was someone who could challenge Walter Frey to the title of worst villain. It was interesting to read how many of the characters were similar to real people.
Since the book was written prior to the final season and the ultimate conclusion, at least in the series, we don’t get a chance to see how the author would handle Danys’ descent into madness and Jon’s final act.
Still what is there is both an academic work and a good addendum to the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.
He looks at the geographical similarities of the areas of Scotland with the GOT places. He then brings in the characters and events that the particular geography encouraged such as the Iron Islands and the islands off the coast of Scotland. He does a very good job in making his case and supporting it. We see The North, The Riverlands, and The Twins were spawned by imagination and fact. We see how the Castles of Scotland are mirrored in GOT as well. It would be hard to argue his thesis.
What I found most fascinating was the comparison of fictional and historical figures. Clearly there was an influence and many of the events shown on screen and in the book, had their genesis in fact. Even The Red Wedding has historical precedent . Yes, there was someone who could challenge Walter Frey to the title of worst villain. It was interesting to read how many of the characters were similar to real people.
Since the book was written prior to the final season and the ultimate conclusion, at least in the series, we don’t get a chance to see how the author would handle Danys’ descent into madness and Jon’s final act.
Still what is there is both an academic work and a good addendum to the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.
March 13, 2020
Author David C. Weinczok (http://castlehunter.scot/) published the book “The History Behind Game of Thrones” in 2019. This is his first book.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as “R” because it contains scenes of Violence. The book compares the 'history' from the Game of Thrones novels and TV series to the real history of Scotland. The book highlights the similarities between the fantasy world and Scottish history.
I have read all the novels published so far in the "A Song of Fire and Ice" series. I have enjoyed watching the TV production on HBO. I am of Scottish descent and have a rough idea of Scotland and its history. Unfortunately, I am not familiar enough with Scotland to completely appreciate many of the comparisons drawn in this book. Those from Scotland, or at least very familiar with Scotland, will appreciate it more.
I enjoyed the 8+ hours I spent reading this 248-page history. There are several comparisons made to Game of Thrones. This book is, more than anything else, a history of Scotland. There were a few photos included in the book. I would have gained more if there had been more photos and especially some detailed maps. I like the cover art. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as “R” because it contains scenes of Violence. The book compares the 'history' from the Game of Thrones novels and TV series to the real history of Scotland. The book highlights the similarities between the fantasy world and Scottish history.
I have read all the novels published so far in the "A Song of Fire and Ice" series. I have enjoyed watching the TV production on HBO. I am of Scottish descent and have a rough idea of Scotland and its history. Unfortunately, I am not familiar enough with Scotland to completely appreciate many of the comparisons drawn in this book. Those from Scotland, or at least very familiar with Scotland, will appreciate it more.
I enjoyed the 8+ hours I spent reading this 248-page history. There are several comparisons made to Game of Thrones. This book is, more than anything else, a history of Scotland. There were a few photos included in the book. I would have gained more if there had been more photos and especially some detailed maps. I like the cover art. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
March 17, 2020
I recently finished reading a review copy of David C. Weinczok's analysis of George R.R. Martin's "The Game of Thrones." The book in question, published by Pen and Sword in 2019, and entitled "The History Behind Game of Thrones: The North Remembers" is a thoroughly entertaining study of Weinczok's interpretation of the historical basis of Martin's work. He situates events principally in Scotland and does a superb job of illustrating this with numerous geohistorical examples of his thesis. The book reads like a peculiar and enchanting hybrid of history and fantasy and in so doing shines a light on both genres (history and fantasy). Indeed, as I read the book, the boundaries between fantasy and history seemed to collapse and fold in on themselves in a complex pattern that serves to reveal how incredibly successful each genre is in informing and explicating the other. I enjoyed it thoroughly and urge anyone with an interest in either of the two genres under discussion or simply an interest in Scottish and Medieval history and culture to peruse a copy. You will be glad you did.
September 21, 2022
I can't help but wonder at the fascinating stories lost to time which only scars on the earth or trinkets remain to hint at.
Rather than write historical fiction GRRM takes the history to inform his own story, without being bound by the reality of it.
This book is framed primarily from a Scottish point view, Scottish history was previously largely unknown to me, just the interaction with some English warrior kings dots otherwise large blank swathes.
So to get an almost travelogue tour of some famous Scottish locations and then to delve into some of the most grisly events in Scottish history is most welcome.
It's written in a very easy style as can be expected of any popular history book.
As if I needed more reasons to get back to exploring Scotland.
Rather than write historical fiction GRRM takes the history to inform his own story, without being bound by the reality of it.
This book is framed primarily from a Scottish point view, Scottish history was previously largely unknown to me, just the interaction with some English warrior kings dots otherwise large blank swathes.
So to get an almost travelogue tour of some famous Scottish locations and then to delve into some of the most grisly events in Scottish history is most welcome.
It's written in a very easy style as can be expected of any popular history book.
As if I needed more reasons to get back to exploring Scotland.
April 20, 2020
An interesting book to link in with the Tv show and books, I’m interested in history so there wasn’t much in here I wasn’t aware of, but for someone who takes only a light interest it would be an interesting and informative read. It was well set out in an easy and informative manner , however the illustrations should be less at the footnotes and more with the chapters they relate too. It was well researched and written, and as a fan of the books or show most will really enjoy this.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
January 13, 2025
Having read The Song of Ice and Fire and watched the Game of Thrones TV series, I was intrigued by this suggestion that there were parallels with Scottish history. I was aware that George R.R. Martin was a student of European history, but had not thought that included Scottish history. So I was surprised to see the strong parallels laid out time and again in the pages of this scholarly work. I appreciate that medieval history was bloodthirsty and Martin's work echoed that. It was interesting to see how much of a parallel there was, especially in some of the key events.
December 10, 2022
Great insight into Scottish history. Splash of Game of Thrones which I felt was the perfect balance of fiction and history. It gave a reference point and then went all-in on the historical content, which was amazing. Author claims giants never really existed though, so it makes me wonder about the ancient historical accuracy overall. I’m sure there are other (better?) Scottish historical books, but this was a great high-level novel specific to the inspirations behind GoT
February 18, 2020
A quite interesting and informative read, I have long been a fan of GoT and have visited many parts of Scotland many times but I have to admit i was not fully aware of the history of those places, you don’t need to be a fan of GoT nor an ardent Scottish nationalist to enjoy this book, it is really enjoyable
November 12, 2019
Picked this up on whim from my library display shelves and really enjoyed it. Well written, engaging and a great intro to aspects of Scottish history, with a reference to Game of Thrones. True history can be just as fascinating as fiction.
March 25, 2020
An interesting read that will appeal to fans of GOT or people interested in Scottish history.
I learned a lot and it was great to discover the history of places and the relationship to the sage.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I learned a lot and it was great to discover the history of places and the relationship to the sage.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 11, 2023
A thoroughly interesting and well researched book which links the incredible story of Game of Thrones to historical events that occurred in Scotland and Ireland that inspired George RR Martin when writing the groundbreaking series.
May 17, 2020
An easy read approach to the history that inspired Game of Thrones. Really enjoyable read
onhold
November 12, 2020
October 22, 2021
Meticulously researched and passionately told, however, unless you are a die-hard GOT fan then it is a tedious read.
dnf
April 27, 2023I was going to read this before watching GOT, but I feel like I’m missing all the references to scenes and characters so I might come back to this once I have actually watched the series
August 7, 2024
Incredibly interesting depiction of the history of Scotland through Westerosi history and vice versa. Extremely helpful I believe for people who are interested in word building!
May 20, 2025
A lot of people seemed to like this, but the way it's written is absolutely not for me. Maybe the audiobook would have been better.
September 7, 2019
This is an excellent survey of Scottish history and culture put in the context of influences on Martin's Game of Thrones. It is a bit confusing sometimes figuring out if a given discussion concerns Scotland or Westeros at times, but I very much enjoyed the book. After reading this, I definitely need to plan a trip to the Hebrides Islands! I just now need "Ta cawlm doon an ged oan wae it"!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews