Bare-Arsed Banditti: The Men of the '45

by Maggie Craig

They were modern men, the soldiers of the '45: doctors and lawyers, students and teachers, gardeners and weavers. These are the men often written out of history, or else depicted as gallant but misguided fools. But in reality they were children of the Age of Reason, they wrote poetry, discussed the latest ideas in philosophy and science - and rose in armed rebellion against the might of the British crown and government. Many faced agonising personal dilemmas before committing themselves to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Cause. Few had any illusions about the consequences of failure. Many met their date with destiny on Culloden Moor, players in a global conflict that shaped the world we live in today. Combining meticulous research with entertaining and stylish delivery, Maggie Craig tells the dramatic and moving stories of the men who were willing to risk everything for their vision of a better future for themselves, their families and Scotland. 'A superbly structured work, written with passion and conviction' Scots Magazine 'Deftly told' The Herald

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Scotland

334 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

I'm a Scottish writer of fiction and non-fiction and love the beauty and the history of my native land. I've expressed my enthusiasm for the latter through non-fiction books. These include the definitive study of women's involvement in the 1745 Jacobite Rising, Damn' Rebel Bitches: The Women of the '45, described by one critic as a 'modern classic.' I later published its companion volume Bare-Arsed Banditti: The Men of the '45 . My most recent non-fiction book is One Week in April: The Scottish Radical Rising of 1820.

My novels split into two genres. The first six are family sagas set in my native Glasgow from the 1920s to the 1940s. I prefer to describe them as love stories crossed with social history.

I'm now writing historical novels. I call them Romance Noir, very romantic but gritty too. The first of these is a tale of young love and old Edinburgh, One Sweet Moment, set in the 1820s. One reviewer described it as 'Romance with a capital R', which it most certainly is, although I've also been told that it's not for the faint-hearted. Life wasn't easy if you were a poor young woman back then and I felt the book had to reflect that. One Sweet Moment is also about Edinburgh and its Jekyll and Hyde nature, the parlours of the New Town and the underground vaults and oyster cellars of the Old Town, the visit of King George IV to the city in 1822 and the dramatic Great Fire of Edinburgh of 1824.

My second historical novel is Gathering Storm, a novel of Jacobite intrigue and romance, the first of a suite of novels featuring the same intertwining cast of characters finding their way through the moral dilemmas, drama and battles of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

It's sequel is Dance to the Storm, published in 2020.


As a reader, I love to read novels which might be described as intelligent escapism. I also love romantic suspense, the sort of books where you wonder how on earth the hero and heroine are going to make it through to a happy ending. Among my favourite authors are Georgette Heyer, Dorothy L Sayers, Elizabeth Peters and Nora Roberts. I also read a lot of non-fiction, particularly historical. Favourite periods include 18th century and World War 2 Britain and I love to read about the forgotten women of history.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
General Thoughts: This was an inspiring read. Despite the fact that the more I read about the ‘45, the more devastating and gruesome it gets. This book was inspiring and full of hope. These men believed in the Stuart Cause so much that they were willing to give up everything: life, liberty, and their clan cultures - and so many did. Their belief is resilient and has lived on though.

Writing Style: 4.5/5 - For the most part, the writing style was easy to read and kept my interest. Though there were a few times when it felt like okay we get it, get on with it already. And a few chapters and passages felt a bit long winded to me, as if Craig was searching for the right words while she was still writing.

Content: 4.5/5 - Despite a few times when it felt a bit repetitive (especially after just finishing Damn’ Rebel Bitches), the content was great. Deeply and thoughtfully researched. I appreciated how Craig covered a lot of Jacobites but also some men that fought on the Redcoat side, and even some who were in the middle. I also loved how it wasn’t just about Culloden. It covered before, during, and after the whole Uprising - and not just the “final battle”.

Enjoyment: 5/5 - I truly enjoyed reading this book and digging deeper into the ‘45.

Total: 14/3 = 4.6

[David Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

This book does a fantastic job of bringing history to life through the accounts of the men who witnessed and participated in the 45. Thoroughly researched, I'd recommend this to anyone who wishes to find out about the pivotal moment in Scottish (and British) history that was the jacobite uprising.

[Kevin Imbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought in Tobermory and wanted to know more about the '45. Excellent and easy to read. The history of the 45 from the people who were there based on their letters and written reports. One gets a feeling of first hand experiences, worries and choices.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and history made real and understandable although difficult to follow because of the vast number of similar named characters.

[Michael J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

a re-read for a project - an excellent work - should be on the national curriculum - history brought to vivid life with style and warmth

[Welther · Rating 3 out of 5]

A DNF at 50%. It's a fine book, but could not hold my interest.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical account of the period and people leading up the the calamitous Battle of Culloden Moor. After visiting Scotland and learning more of the heritage and history of this dark but daring time in Scotland I felt compelled to delve deeper. This book was referenced by our wonderful guide during the trip and I can say it does offer a glimpse of the honorable and not-so honorable people risked everything for Scotland.

[Janelle V. Dvorak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bare-Arsed Banditti relates in a lively manner brief biographical sketches of both Government and Jacobite participants in the '45. It's very informative and seemingly well-researched.