Sir William Wallace of Ellerslie is one of history's greatest heroes, but also one of its greatest enigmas - a shadowy figure whose edges have been blurred by myth and legend. Even the date and place of his birth have been mis-stated - until now. James Mackay uses all his skills as a historical detective to produce this definitive biography, telling the incredible story of a man who, without wealth or noble birth, rose to become Guardian of Scotland. William Wallace, with superb generalship and tactical genius, led a country with no previous warlike tradition to triumph gloriously over the much larger, better-armed and better-trained English forces. Seven hundred years later, the heroism and betrayal, the valiant deeds and the dark atrocities, and the struggle of a small nation against a brutal and powerful empire, still create a compelling tale.

The definitive biography of one of history's greatest heroes

About the Author
Dr James Mackay was an award-winning author and historian, and was widely regarded as the world's greatest authority on the life and works of Robert Burns. As well as his definitive biography, Burns, winner of the Saltire Award for Scottish Book of the Year, he published accounts of the lives of the great Scottish patriot William Wallace and the Irish statesman Michael Collins. He was also the author of biographies of the celebrated detective Allan Pinkerton (The Eye Who Never Slept), the poet Robert Service (Vagabond of Verse) and Alexander Graham Bell (Sounds Out of Silence).

Reviews
Dramatic . . . a serious attempt to set Wallace's life in its historical context * The Herald *
Mackay's research and prose are meticulous . . . but just below the surface breathes a great sympathy for Wallace * Mail on Sunday *
This serious biography will provide entertaining and instructive reading for anyone who wishes to know about the career of an outstanding patriot * North Star *
Rich in detail and background . . . this is a fascinating study, ideal for anyone interested in either medieval history or the life of a brave, charismatic and noble Scot * Review 22 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781851588237
Author Dr James Mackay
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Mainstream Publishing
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 376g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 153mm * 21mm