The Border Reivers

Osprey Men at Arms #279

by Keith Durham, Angus McBride (Illustrator)

From the 13th century until early in the 17th century, the Border Marches of England and Scotland were torn by a vicious and almost continuous cycle of raid, reprisal and blood feud. The Border Reiver was a professional cattle thief, a guerilla soldier skilled at raiding, tracking and ambush, and a well organized "gangster." Including eight superb full page color plates by Angus McBride, as well as numerous other illustrations, this text by Keith Durham explores the colorful history of these remarkable people.

Genres: History, Scotland, Military History, Medieval, Nonfiction, British Literature, 16th Century

48 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 1995

Reviews

[Jereme]

A Men at Arms book par excellence. Likely owing to the narrow topic, Durham describes the social and political conditions that led to them coming to being, as well as their armaments, tactics, defenses, and even a bit of histography. The plates are also excellent with dynamic scenes that nonetheless do not obscure the clothing and weaponry of their subjects.

[Simon]

Rather slim volume - perhaps doesn't go into some of the detail of some other books on the Border Reivers, but there's a decent overview here. The text is supplemented by a lot of illustrations and photographs - much more than several larger books, and these (along with accompanying discussion) make this book very worthwhile.

[Steve Scott]

An interesting account of the troubled regions of the borderlands. My ancestors (Scott's and Littles) came from here, which made it even more interesting.

I wonder if I'm descended from scurrilous cutthroats?

[Blythe Gifford]

This is 48 pages vs. "The Border Reiver 1513-1603," which is 64 pages. This book is more of a broad brush overview. If you can only get one, make it the other one!

[Mark Luongo]

Lots of information, what you come to expect with an Osprey publication. And the outstanding artwork of the late Angus McBride.