Robert the Bruce

by L. Du Garde Peach

This is the story of a great Scottish soldier and patriot, who not only defied the English for years, but inflicted on them the greatest military defeat ever suffered by an English army.

Genres: History

52 pages, Hardcover

First published March 30, 1982

About the author

Lawrence du Garde Peach was an English author and writer of plays for radio, stage and screen. Today he may be best remembered as the author of over 30 books for Ladybird's Adventure from History series of nonfiction children's books, published from 1957 until his death, which was the largest series Ladybird ever produced, and remained in print until 1986.

Reviews

[Judith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More stirring stuff from the dynamic duo! Bold, dramatic and striking illustrations from John Kenney include wonderful horses In battle actions, vivid facial expressions and characterisation, (see the kitchen scene), and the way he has depicted the moonlight on the sea opposite page 26 is marvellous.How these books must have thrilled children when they came out.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybird history books are social history at it's best, from; I would estimate ages 8 to 14 for school use of simply to enjoy. They bring history alive for children, and are filled with fascinating information. As well as bringing alive an animated, exciting past, they also show how events of the past, are with us today, in so many fascinating ways.
This review is dedicated to self-determination of nations and the nation-state!
Robert the Bruce, published in 1964, is written by L Du Garde Peach and beautifully illustrated by Andrew Kenney. It tells the story of the great the great Scottish hero and patriot, who won independence for Scotland, from that country's English oppressors. The illustrations by Kenney really make the narrative come alive, about the real story of this folk hero.

[Christopher Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these Ladybird history books and this is one of my favourites. Clearly this has a great deal to do with nostalgia. I read the whole series when I was a boy in the 1960s and just picking up a copy and leafing through the pages takes me back to being a 10 year old. Of course the format is part of the great success of these Ladybird books. 24 pages of simple text, each one accompanied on the facing page by a stunning illustration by John Kenney. Indeed, it is the illustrations that make these books so special. Many of the illustrations I remember from the first time I read it as a boy. It is these books with their simple straightforward narratives and fabulous pictures that ignited a love of history that remains with me to this day.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Ladybird history book.
Richly illustrated.
Middle school.