Reviews
makes some interesting points … serves as a serviceable overview of the activities of Scottish mercenaries in 17th century Europe
De Re Militari
Miller is to be praised for the excellence of his research, the even handedness of his story about the Scottish mercenaries’… and for the style of his presentation
Renaissance Magazine
The role of Scots fighters in the British Empire is celebrated far and wide…but their exploits in Europe for the two centuries before that find little mention in history or popular literature. …surveys exploits and experiences of Scots who earned a living as soldiers in Europe, pivoting on the Thirty Years War (1618-48)
Book News, Inc.
About the Book
In 1612, George Sinclair, an illegitimate son of a Caithness laird, became a Norwegian national hero. Along with almost 300 of his followers, Sinclair was killed in an ambush in Norway while marching to join the king of Sweden's army. Sinclair has legendary status in Norway but has been almost totally forgotten at home, just as the memory of thousands of other Scots who served as mercenaries in the armies of Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries has faded into obscurity.
In this book, James Miller tells how a considerable proportion of the able-bodied male population of Scotland at one time sought service on behalf of almost every dynasty and monarch on the continent. Some were fleeing from justice, others went to seek fame and fortune - and found it.
The Author
James Miller
James Miller was born in Caithness and studied zoology in Aberdeen and marine biology in Montreal. After working for the British Council he became a full-time freelance writer. He has written a number of acclaimed books, including Scapa, The Dambuilders, The Foresters, Inverness and The Gathering Stream.You may also like…
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