King and Outlaw

by Dr Chris Brown

The iconic figure of Robert the Bruce has gone down through the centuries as one of the most remarkable leaders of all time. With equal parts tenacity and ruthlessness, he had himself crowned King of Scotland after murdering one of his most powerful rivals, and so began the rule of an indomitable military genius unafraid of breaking convention, and more than a few English heads. Indeed, it was under the leadership of King Robert that the Battle of Bannockburn took place—a famous victory snatched by a tiny Scots force against a larger, supposedly more sophisticated English foe. King and Outlaw  explores the life of Robert the Bruce, whose history has merged with legend, and reveals the true story of the outlaw king.

Genres: History, Scotland, Biography

192 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2020

Reviews

[Andrew Myers]

A short and generally sweet account of the situations preceding and during Robert the Bruce’s campaign for Scottish independence. As a previous reviewer has noted, the first two sections are excellently, if speedily, written and provide a brief but entertaining account of Robert’s activities. The third part gives context to the previous two sections. Whilst this is important, it comes across very dry and staid compared what it precedes. Once this section is over, the writing style that the rest of the book is written in resumes.

Not bad at all considering it was £3 from The Works!

[scottiesandbooks]

It’s a good start to the history of Robert the Bruce especially when there isn’t much actual fact to go on. But it didn’t go into enough detail for me and the part about Scottish society was just very boring

[Rosalie]

DNF
I was expecting a lot more from this book, than just a rehash of his wars with England from 1296 to 1327. He was a significant leader, fighter, statesman and king and deserves more than this school level book. Out of 192 pages (including glossary) over 100 is devoted to his wars with England and very little detail is given about either Robert The Bruce or Scottish society. There are photos, pictures and sketches with no description or details about what they are. Even in the introduction when Chris Brown is stating what people think they know about Robert The Bruce, a glaring mistake is made. Chris Brown states that people know Robert was born in 1274 and died in 1327, and yet on the next page we are told that he died in 1329 (which is correct). So, from the outset this is a book with issues.
Very disappointing, especially given the amount of information that there is about Robert The Bruce, his family and times. I am thankful that I borrowed this from my local library and so didn't waste any money on it.

[Patrick Martin]

Robert the Bruce has gone down through the centuries as one of the most remarkable leaders of all time. With equal parts tenacity and ruthlessness, he had himself crowned King of Scotland after murdering one of his most powerful rivals, and became known as a military genius unafraid of breaking convention.

The book was short and a good overview for a teenager, if it would keep their interest. I realize that records are sparse from the 1300's but their seemed a lot overview and not much detail. He laid siege and took this castle or he split his forces and won this historic battle. Offering no time frames or details on how we won the battle. He must have done this or must have done that.

I was disappointed in the book, perhaps my expectations were too high but it would seem that there is a lot of information available on Robert so I would say this is not the book to start with or perhaps even include when reading on the man.

[Jenna Rare]

Have you ever gone to a house with old fashioned books?
Have you ever opened one and realized it was full of gibberish? Because it is not meant to be read, only used as a prop for background.
Every sentence was a gloss over an important fact and the author was basically saying if you want to read the real thing, read “the Bruce” by John Barbour.
I also thought this was supposed to be about the first king of England, Robert Bruce. But it turns out it’s about his great grandson of the same name.

[Andreu]

Al principi m'ha semblat un llibre de batalletes, superficial, però a mesura que he anat avançant m'he adonat del notable exercici de síntesi i didàctica. Explica molt bé un munt de qüestions complexes de l'època alertant contra mites i presentisme. També permet entendre força bé el treball de fonts i altres aspectes metodològics. Una petita joia.

[Jess]

It's a brief history of everything from Robert the Bruce to Scottish farmers. Has some interesting facts but gets bogged down in criticising other historians rather than claiming a opinion and sticking to it.

[Papa Smurf]

King and outlaw: the real robert the bruce

Excellent reading learnt a lot. Would love to read more on Robert the Bruce of Scotland. Auhor Chris Brown good work

[Maggie Casteen]

Very informative, however, I got lost in all the military details. I guess I was looking for more of a narrative book.

[Tracey Terrington]

A good little book on Scottish history

[Alfred Nobile]

Short, concise overview of Robert the Bruce's life. Read in one day. Not for the historians, but more for the general reader.

[Andrew Mcintyre]

Could historical and true version of Robert the Bruce. Dispels the myths and legends regarding the Bruce. Well written and enjoyable.Thouroughly recommend this book.

[Harry Glasgow]

Very insightful into the life of Robert The Bruce.