James the Good: The Black Douglas

by David R. Ross

Overview

Sir James the Good, one of the finest soldiers Scotland ever produced, is sometimes better known by the name given to him by the English - the 'Black Douglas'. He terrified the northern shires of England throughout the reign of King Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence. When Robert the Bruce died Sir James, as his champion, was entrusted with his heart which he carried on the Crusades. David R Ross brings history alive as he tells the story of Sir James' life. Ross' research found him retracing Sir James' journey to the Holy Land and rediscovering battle grounds, providing a personal view of history. With a refreshing look at the subject, and featuring all new information and research, interesting maps, battleplans and photographs, this book will make Scottish history accessible and understandable for the casual reader, while delighting history buffs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781906307349
Publisher:	Luath Press Limited
Publication date:	06/01/2008
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

The late David R Ross was born in Giffnock, Renfrewshire and in his early life moved to East Kilbride which remained his long-term home-town. Fascinated with Wallace and Scottish history, Ross began at the age of 17 to travel to some of the historical places known in Scotland. Ross's previous best-selling books include James the Good: the Black Douglas, On the Trail of William Wallace and On the Trail of Robert the Bruce which have all been exceptionally well received in both the UK and overseas.

Table of Contents

Preface     xi
The storm clouds gather     1
Experiments in chivalry     9
The slow climb to success     16
Forging of character by combat     26
Castle Dangerous     36
In the service of the king     44
Scotland's castles regained     51
Bannockburn     61
The upper hand     84
The 'Black' Douglas     94
Devastation and declaration     104
Beating the English on their own turf     120
Masters of all they survey     131
Bas Agus Buaidh (death and victory)     142
I have fought the good fight     151
Timeline     157
Bibliography and Further Reading     161
Places to visit in northern England with a Douglas connection     163
Index     171