Rather superficial account of Bruce's life that nevertheless makes an interesting read. Obviously aimed at the general reader who wants to know the basic details of Bruce's life and reign devoid of the Braveheart crap. it works well in this regard. Of particular merit is the author's determination to dispel popular legends about Bruce, such as being saved at Bannockburn by a mysterious force of Templars. Brown does this and does this well. Nevertheless, for the reader who is familiar with the Bruce, the lack of detail about specific events and people can be frustrating, for instance Elizabeth de Burgh and Marjorie Bruce are barely mentioned (the marriage between Marjorie and Walter Stewart, an event of singular importance for future Scots history, is not mentioned at all), many battles are glossed over in a couple of lines, and the last few years of Bruce's reign in a couple of pages. For all that, its a good solid read, and as I said, an excellent factual introduction for anyone unfamiliar with the Bruce. ( )