The title of this book was inspired by a speech by Calgacus (83 A.D.). When defending the loss of regional independence of the Highlands and Islands, he addressed his followers as the 'last of the free'. There is an introduction followed by a brief summary of 'The Most Distant dwellers upon Earth' - from 8000 B.C. to 87 A.D. Then we're into the real meat; eight chapters about the land and peoples who were the 'Last of the Free' from 88 A.D. to 1999. This is a wonderful read for all who are students of (Scottish) history and one of the best books I have read, written about the 'Highland Clearances'. James Hunter explains in detail, the history of the Highlands from the Middle Ages right up until the middle of the twentieth century. Make no mistake; this is not an easy read and one must take time to "absorb" the essential detail. As my g-g-grandfather emigrated from Mull in 1852, I was especially interested in the latter chapters on The Hebrides and the period of the clearances which started late in the 17th century and continued well into the nineteenth century.

The penultimate chapter refers to the "Napier Commission", a report by Lord Napier recommending reform and published in April 1884. Far from solving the crofting problem, the report actually renewed unrest, leading eventually to the formation of the Highland Law Reform Association which later became the Highland Land League.