Alba of the Ravens: In Search of the Celtic Kingdom of the Scots (Celtic Interest)

Alba of the Ravens is a thoroughly compelling study of a little known period of Scottish history, from the kings of Dalriada to Macbeth. From its origin as a client state of Ulster, the tiny kingdom of the Gael on the western seaboard grew to take in what was then Pictland through dynastic intermarriage and by the sword. Each chapter is devoted to a different ruler such as Aidan, whose roots were as much Welsh as Scots, Kenneth Mac Alpin, the half Pictish warrior who was to meld Pictland and Dalriada into one realm after generations of blood fray, and the real Macbeth, the 'red king' whose reign was one of fruitfulness and bounty. John Marsden has produced a fine book here, packed with careful research and sensible speculation. This is no dry-as-dust history, but a lively and fascinating account that keeps you turning the pages. Recommended.