Alexander III
(1241—1286)

King of Scots

A direct descendant of the first Scots king, Kenneth MacAlpin, and last of the Celtic kings. Alexander saw off threats from the Vikings and the English; he presided over a strong economy; and his self-assured reign was a golden age for Scotland. But his early death and the successive deaths of his heirs plunged Scotland into a struggle for its existence which was resolved only with the victory at Bannockburn in 1314.

Alexander III: King of Scots Full-length biography of this important Scots monarch, whose accession just 750 years ago followed the unexpected demise of Alexander II (in Kerrera, July 1249). Known to every schoolchild for his own untimely end one dark and stormy night, but perhaps not fully appreciated for his work in maintaining and enhancing a coherent and independent Scottish nation, this life by gifted historian and novelist Marion Campbell is a timely and riveting read. The man and his kingdom are thoroughly researched and the relationship between Scotland and other European countries is examined, together with the complex connections between their royal houses. The fruit of an abiding interest, this is a stimulating work and will be much enjoyed.

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