regarding the PALLAS ARMATA series of reprints, I am the publisher and can be EMAILED AT Gareth_Simon@londonelec.co.uk

Bibliography of English Military Books says Robert Munro, a cousin o Robert Lord Foulis had in his youth served in the Scots guards of the King of France. In 1626 the ninth year of the Thirty Years' War he took service with the Scots Regiment under Christian IV of Denmark. He quitted it in 1633 to beat up recruits in England, but before his return his regiment had been cut to pieces at Nerlin. This book is the first regimental history, contains a store of first hand information on soldiering in the 1600's and is highly readable. The book was exceedingly rare as it was printed in only a few copies for friends of Lord Rhees.

For scholars on a budget, Pallas Armata Press, the vanity press of THE PIKE and SHOT SOCIETY, offers a reproduction of the original for 11 pounds from Gareth Simon 98 Priory Road, Tonbridge Kent, TN9 2BP England. Their catalog lists over 100 reprints of 16th and 17th century military works.

A great review of South Carolina Low Country history through the trials and tribulations of some of its founding families. A great find for historians of the Low Country. All kinds of primary source documents and personal information of South Carolina residents over a three hundred year time span. Plantation owners, battles, sea captains, soldiers, generals, rebels, loyalists, colonists, farmers, doctors, disease, family squabbles, slaves, cities and towns are brought to life through the words of people who were actually there. Geography, climate, agriculture, economy, politics, it's all here. A gold mine for geneologists. Histories traced back to the kings and queens of England. Well indexed and referenced. A gem!

I first read the "Silver Kings: The Lives and Times of MacKay, Fair, Flood, and O'Brien, Lords of the Nevada Comstock Lode", because there was a family story that James G. Fair might be a lost relative. If he is it's quite distant, but the book was so interesting that I've since read everything I could get my hands on about the Comstock Lode and it's characters. Virginia City really did more as the birth place of the myths and truths of the Old West than did Tombstone or Dodge City. I am also an "Earp" buff and have read much available on the "Gun Fight" related characters. Even Samuel Clemens, later known as Mark Twain, was a reporter for the Virginia City newspaper during his early days. The book was fantastic. I'm glad to see it in reprint as I will give it as gifts to some of my friends. I had hunted long and hard for my old copy. If you like stories of the Old West you will enjoy this one. And the stories are true.
Senator Mike Fair
Oklahoma State Senator

The legend of William Wallace facinates me, and this book offered an in depth insight into his life. James MacKay really did a good job of researching this subject. It is a tough read, but full of facts to keep you interested. Reminds me of the "Similarian" by tolken, numerous names to keep track of, but far better.

Worth Reading, if your are into History.

P.S. I read this one for fun, not coursework

As a child of 9 I picked out the decor for my new room - Wallace Plaid - which dumbfounded my family since our Clans were MacGillivray, Ogilvie, Grant, Fraser and Montgomerie! But I thought Wallace such a great, sweeping figure. This was decades before Randall Wallace accidentally discovered William Wallace on a vacation in Scotland and read Anne Porter's Highland Chiefs. Wallace, to me, was such a true Patriot - not a Saint, but a man willing to go to the wall, to die for what he believed. Not many of us would walk in his shoes, so I have to admire his willingness to die for an idea.
James MacKay gives a richly details account of the Scottish clime of politics that formed and fermented Wallace. It might be a little bit more than the average reader would be interested in (I would suggest Grey's book on Wallace in that case), but for those wishing to know more without wading through Blind Harry, this is a wonderful work.

A perfect gift to that friend that watched Braveheart more than once!!

Since the Mel Gibson movie came out William Wallace has gained a following well outside of Scotland. It is nice to get a look at the true "Braveheart" instead of the Hollywood version. The very best thing about this book is how easy it is to read. Not being at all familar with Scottish history during this period I was afraid I would quickly become lost. Much to my delight that was not the case in fact I was able to follow what was going on with very little problem. The only real problem I have with the book is that MacKay often refers to someone once by their name and the next time by their title. For example the future king is sometimes refered to as Robert Bruce and sometimes as the Earl of Carrick. It is hard enough to keep up with all of the names thrown at you in this book without having to keep up with a name AND a title for each person.

While reading this book keep in mind that Mr. MacKay has little materal to work with from the time period. Most of his research is taken from materal that dates well after Wallace's death. Still by looking at this material along with what records do exist from the period he does a good job of telling us what probably did happen. In fact, this is probably as close as we will ever get to the real story. That is unless new records are found which is very possible. MacKay points out several places where in the future new records may be found including Rome where Wallace may have visited Pope Boniface VIII looking for aid for Scotland. It is known as a fact that King Edward did get a letter from the Pope about his treatment of the Scots.

This is a great read for anyone interested in Scottish history or anyone who enjoyed the Gibson movie. The reader will find for example that Wallace's wife was not killed before he began his raids. She was killed in fact while protecting Wallace. Let the movie make you wonder. Let this book fill in the gaps. Even for someone not into history at all this will be a joy to read.