Monday, December 1, 2008

On the Trail of William Wallace

The first book in the series, On the Trail of William Wallace published in 1999, is a refreshing insight into the life and times of Scotland’s greatest hero William Wallace. Ross skillfully traces Wallace’s footsteps from his birth to his lasting legacy in modern times revealing the location and state of many Wallace sites today. Injected with new Wallace information, this engaging narrative demonstrates why David R. Ross was voted International Convener of the Wallace society, a position he currently holds. This publication includes: 74 Wallace-related sites in Scotland and England, one general map and three location maps, the Stirling Bridge and Falkirk battle plans, the route Wallace was dragged through London to his torturous death, as well as numerous reproductions and illustrations. William Wallace lit the torch of Scottish independence and paid the ultimate price for his selflessness. William Wallace isn’t just a legend but a “flesh and blood man” that people looked up to then as they do today. Courage and the ultimate sense of manifest destiny exemplified Wallace’s life and times. It is true, “all men die, but few men really live.” Wallace’s sacrifices and actions set the stage for Scotland’s self realization, a step that has taken 700 years to realize with the opening of Scottish parliament in 1999. Ross marked the 700th anniversary of Wallace’s death in 2005 ,by retracing the 500 miles of Wallace’s footsteps, from capture to his torture, and eventual death. Wallace remains as important in death as in life. David, R. Ross’ On The Trail of William Wallace is one best selling book well worth the read.

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