Otto Scott pulls no punches in his evaluation of James I of England (James VI of Scotland). Scott's writing is easy to read and fast paced, yet of a high scholarly quality. His solidly Christian perspective is unusual today. Look for other books by Scott. I recommend his book on Robespierre and _The Great Christian Revolution_. Highly recommended -- you will not be disappointed.

If you are in search of an outstanding book on the steam engine and of course James Watt, this is the book. It has anything you may need to know about his life starting from childhood through his retirement. It highlights the relationshop between Boulton and Watt and the steam engine which he made practical. The book not only tells about Watt, but about the way in which a steam engine operates and how his did operate. This invention was without a doubt a major turning point in history.

I highly recommend this book. It gives an in-depth, historical view of the Scots/English struggle for supremacy in Scotland's politics. I found the portions dealing with appeals to the Pope and the documents used to bolster the arguments particularly fascinating. I hope this text comes out in paperback to make it more affordable.

This well-written book documents the life of James Graham, Marquess of Montrose, in the 1600's. It is indeed a page-turner: the crisp writing is full of factual references but never burdened by them, like the photos, period paintings and documents illustrating the book, they enhance and support the narrative. It is free of ornamental flourishes or fawning, relying only on exposition of facts and quality writing.

Rarely do I agree with the marketing hype that usually makes up the front flap of a books dustjacket, but in this case, I agree wholeheartedly:
"This remarkable story of a great romantic hero separates the facts from legend and yet still manages to capture brilliantly all the excitement of the tale, of gallantry and heroism, of conspiracy and intrigue, of massacres and tragedy, set against the magnificent scenery of seventeenth-century Scotland."

At least as thrilling as the story of William Wallace (alongside whom one of Graham's ancestors had fought two centuries earlier), this book is a very exhilarating tale of a remarkable person.

Contrary to information above this book is not out of print and is published by The Mercat Press, 53 South Bridge, EDINBURGH, EH1 1YS, e-mail mercat@thin.co.uk

If you have an illustration or text description of Scottish arms and no idea to whom they belong, this is an excellent place to start. Graphic features -- chevron, fess, greyhound, Maltese cross, mullet -- are arranged alphabetically, with 5,500+ separate contexts described and pertinent individuals noted. And there's a complete name and rank index.

I bought this book at a used bookstore when I was researching the ballad "The Cruel Sister" for a short story I was working on. Reading through it, I discovered a rich world of magic, romance, and tragedy within these old songs. From the well-known ballads like "Tam Lin" and "Thomas the Rhymer" to more obscure tales, just as affecting, there is so much here--"Kempion", the tale of a woman turned into a dragon, who can only resume her true form if the prince kisses her rather than fighting her. "Gil Brenton", the tale of a young woman trying to hide her pregnancy from her new husband--but there is something very interesting she doesn't know about her old lover's identity. And reams and reams of tragic songs of love lost.

Kinsley provides only one version of each of the ballads; some of them, in Child's original collection had twenty or more variants. But if you find one you are drawn to, you can always go to the library or search the Internet, and find the other versions. Think of Kinsley's book as a sort of overview, one that fits on your bookshelf with ease. Kinsley even provides melodies for some of the ballads whose tunes have survived. A good reference for ballad-lovers.

King James, sponsor of the famous Authorized "King James" Bible, is often lauded as defender of the faith by some who worship his 1611 publication as the be-all and end-all of all English Bible translations. Many hagiographic works abound, but Bergeron's isn't one of those.

While writing his Basilicon Doron to attack the sin of sodomy, James himself used his royal position to shield himself from such a charge against himself. Bergeron digs up the historical dirt and shares a contemporary's view of the hypocrisy, a diary entry in 1622 by one Simonds D'Ewes of a conversation he'd had with a friend:
"Of things I discoursed with him that weere secrett as of the sinne of sodomye, how frequente it was in this wicked cittye, and if God did not provide some wonderfull blessing against it, wee could not but expect some horrible punishment for it; especially it being as wee had probable cause to feare, a sinne in the prince as well as the people, which God is for the most part the chastiser of himselfe, because noe man else indeed dare reprove or tell him them of ther faults." (Bergeron, p. 183)

Many more pieces of evidence are to be found in those pages, and what emerges from Bergeron's picture is that of a great man who was both King of England and Scotland and quite human.

Trying to understand the history of Scotland is hard enough but when it's hidden by all the mystery of Scottish clans it's even more difficult. This book gives a truly outstanding account of the history of Scotland from early BC to present day. It's probably the finest introduction to Scotland you'll find anywhere. The author tell us.. "I have tried to offer, to the general reader, not another narrative, but rather an explanation. I have concentrated upon what I believe to be the factors and the influences, the events and developments, the opinions and the decisions, which have caused Scots to undergo that set of experiences which we call our history." I can only conclude he's done an excellent job.

A carefully chosen collection that requires care in the reading. One cannot read these poems shielded; they are to be embraced, experienced and treasured.