D. J. Gray

This is in places an engaging read, as Gray's passion for his subject is evident everywhere. But what makes it engaging in some places makes it amateurish in others, because Gray's biases too often color his historical objectivity. He often openly ignores documented fact--or the lack thereof--in order to speculate on the emotions and thought processes not only of Wallace, but also of Robert the Bruce, Edward I, and many other figures key to the war for Scottish independence. He also relies heavily on folkloric sources like the Wallace-idolizing Harry the Blind, who Gray admits is biased but to whom Gray refers more than any other source. The book's organization leaves much to be desired, too; it reads more like a masters thesis than a carefully vetted work of professional scholarship. A good effort if Gray was indeed a grad student when he wrote this, but mostly, this book just makes me want to track down a more reliable source. Perhaps I made a mistake by reading this after Ronald McNair Scott's masterful treatment of Robert the Bruce.… (meer)

I keep hoping to find new information regarding the life the man who was "Braveheart," but I guess I have to be content with meager conjecture and spotty (at best) historical record. I guess the scarcity of facts on the life of Wallace himself leads to a natural broadening of the subject matter, giving way to the cause and early years of the Scottish War of Independence. There are much better books that focus on this subect matter, while giving no less attention to Wallace. Gray tries, but fails, to showcase Wallace, and in doing so, gives short shrift to other major events occurring at the time. Better books on the subject are Freedom's Sword by Peter Traquair and The Wars of the Bruces by Colm McNamee. The latter book in particular follows the fortunes of the prevailing "winner" of the war.… (meer)