The Border Reivers (Men-at-Arms)

A fine resource on the savage and versatile warriors that fought a ferocious, three-hundred year war on the Anglo-Scottish borders. Here the traditional Celtic way of war, cattle raids, terrorism, and daring chases and escapes, were still practiced until the 18th Century. This was no war for the freedom of Scotland, however. To put it bluntly (and a bit cynically) this is the story of a bunch of gangster-type families, variously of Highlander, Lowlander, or English origin, who were engaged in a never-ending cycle of murder, rape, theft, and blackmail. For all their savagery, the Border Reivers have to be admired for their skill and hardiness. The Reiver was simply a professional armed thief, trained in the use of spear, sword, and pistol, and a very accomplished rider. He might be a knight, peasant, or escaped convict, just as he may be of Gaelic or English heritage. In the 17th Century these men were considered the finest light cavalry in the world, and the stories of their bloody battles, daring raids, and heroic rescues of their comrades have become the stuff of legend. As is always the case, Mr. McBride's artwork alone would make this book worth every cent. The facial expressions of many of his subjects stand out in particular in this title; note the powerful expressions of wild glee and savage hate in Plate 'B', depicting the hard-fought Battle of Flodden in 1513. Also of special note in the text and plates alike are some of the best depictions of pre-18th Century Scottish Highlanders I have found. These men, of course, did not fit in well with the Scottish stereotype, wearing English-style tights and helmets in place of the kilts and tartan plaids and jackets. In other ways, they are shown matching the 'Braveheart' stereotype rather well with a rugged appearance, long hair, and a huge claymore. Another warrior of note that is well-depicted in this book is the Irish kern, the servant and fellow-warrior of the noble gallowglasses. The kerns, with their bizarre hairdos and vicious-looking halberds, were a source of fear and revulsion amongst the contemporary Englishmen. Overall, this book is a great introduction to the wars and feuds on the Anglo-Scottish borders from the late 13th Century to the mid 17th Century. It is well-written and richly endowed with colorful and accurate artwork, and is a must for an enthusiast of late medieval Scottish or English warfare.

I convene a Scottish Clan Tent at various Highland Games, and this is always prominantly displayed on my table.It gives a quick, but thorough history on the Scottish Border Reivers for those of use who don't have time to read the Steel Bonnets. The illustrations alone are worth the price of the book.