The Wallace (Coronet Books)

Mr. Tranter is an amazing author. I enjoyed Braveheart for its tale although I know that it is very historically inaccurate. Not to mention I did not like the portrayal of Robert the Bruce. The Wallace is Braveheart times 100. This book follows William Wallace's life from his humble beginnings, to rebel and champion of the commons. It peaks with his knighting by Bruce and appointment as Guardian of all of Scotland. Then is follows to his Ambassadorship to France and finally with his betrayal and tragic execution by the English. Reading this book, I felt I was on the battlefields with Wallace. I felt his frustration and his pain. I shared his joy in victory. This is a wonderful read. This book also compliments Nigel Tranter's Bruce Trilogy and gives us a view of the same Scotland at the same time from another point of view. Get it and read it.

If you were moved by 'Braveheart' - you'll enjoy this book.It is rumoured that some of Mel Gibson's scenes - on film, were elaborations of Tranter's imagery (Gibson probably culled ideas from a number of such sources). The movie image of Wallace made him seem rather 'clean' - resorting to violence only insofar as it furthered the cause of independence, never as a wanton act of blood-lust. Some historians question that. Again, despite the bad image heaped upon the English (certainly deserving of it, in the historical context, especially Edward 'Longshanks'),there are those who argue that the Scottish nobility (basically Anglo-Scottish) oppressed the Scots, without anyone else's help. This ambivalence was evident in the movie, and it is still there in the book (viz. the 'wavering' Bruce). As always, there are quibbles about historical details and facts. But when all is said and done, the basic story of William Wallace - or rather - 'The Wallace' as he is known in Scotland, is one of heroic struggle for independence. It is good to read Tranter's imaginative reconstruction of events, which evidently required historical research. Like the movie, reading this book made me feel something for 'The Wallace' - for the Scottish people, their suffering, their courage - and their pride. This story is moving, because it exemplies the polarity of human nature. On the one hand, the urge to subjugate and conquer, on the other, the equally strong urge to shake off the shackles of oppression. The latter represents the nobler side of human nature - and in the present world climate, the tale of William Wallace and his struggle remind us of what is at stake.

There are three historians that makes history come truly alive, Bruce Catton with this many books on the War Between of States in US, and two fictional writers Bernard Cornwell with this Sharpes and Starbucks, and Nigel Bruce with his passion for Scotland. He wrote many superior novels of dealing with Scottish History, but Wallace is my second favourite, the Bruce Trilogy being the first. When you read this book, you feel as though you opened a door and stepped through time. You see Wallace as a man, not just a legend. The tale is rousing covering the period when it was most active in the struggle against Longshanks. Tranter's tales give you a time machine effect, to where you feel as if you were stepping back in time.

This is a wonderful and moving book by the great Scottish historical novelist, Nigel Tranter. It was difficult to put this book down, even though I knew the basic story of William Wallace from the film, Braveheart. Tranter is a master at weaving together historical facts and speculations. His characters seem quite real, as do the battles, meetings, and intrigues that occur in the novel.It is all very believable--much more so than some of the scenes in Braveheart.I have read three books by Tranter since reading this book, and they are all good. I would also like to recommend Kenneth (about the great King of the Picts, Kenneth Mac Alpin), High Kings and Vikings (an sequel of sorts to Kenneth), and The Story of Scotland, by this author.

For anyone who enjoyed the movie 'Braveheart', and who wants to read the story of the life of William Wallace in novel format, this is the book to read. Nigel Tranter, the master story-teller, brings the people and the times to life, backed-up by his excellent historical research. We would recommend this book without hesitation. (MacBraveHeart, May 1999)