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George MacDonald Fraser
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The Steel Bonnets: The Story of the Anglo-Scottish Border Reivers Paperback – July 17, 2008

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 555 ratings
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The Steel Bonnets( The Story of the Anglo-Scottish Border Reivers) <> Paperback <> GeorgeMacDonaldFraser <> SkyhorsePublishing
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  1. Print length
    432 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Skyhorse
  4. Publication date
    July 17, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 5.3 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    160239265X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1602392656
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Geroge MacDonneld Fraser was the author of the famous Flashman Papers series and the Private McAuslan stories. He worked on newspapers in Britain and Canada. In addition to his novels he also wrote numerous films, most notably The Three Musketeers, The Four Musketeers, and the James Bond film Octopussy. George Macdonald Fraser died in January 2008 at the age of eighty-two.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Skyhorse (July 17, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 160239265X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1602392656
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.08 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 5.3 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 555 ratings

About the author

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George MacDonald Fraser

George MacDonald Fraser

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George MacDonald Fraser OBE FRSL (2 April 1925 – 2 January 2008) was a Scottish author who wrote historical novels, non-fiction books and several screenplays. He is best known for a series of works that featured the character Flashman.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
555 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Tk
5.0 out of 5 stars History of Scottish Clans
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
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An excellent reference for learning Scottish history. Wonderful read. Late but in Ernest!!
One person found this helpful
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Moose MaGee
4.0 out of 5 stars George MacDonald Fraser - GREAT writer
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2020
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This is a tale about the Scottish border wars with England. George can make reading a soup can ingredient label interesting. This is one of those. IF you are of Scottish ancestry - thinking this is a must-read. A detailed story about the border raiders (along Hadrian's wall in the north of England). They are called "Reivers" and apparently for hundreds of years ran back and forth over the line taking everyone and everything that wasn't nailed down. Good read but not a Flashman!
5 people found this helpful
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HMS Warspite
5.0 out of 5 stars The Lawless Land...
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2009
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In the sixteenth century, the border between Scotland and England was the much fought-over scene of frequent warfare between the two kingdoms. The families on both sides fell into an armed, semi-nomadic existence whose economic mainspring was raiding the other side for cattle, property, and slaves. In "The Steel Bonnets", accomplished journalist, novelist, and historian George MacDonald Fraser takes on the challenging task of making sense of the Anglo-Scottish border reivers, as these raiders were called. Proof of his success may lie in the fact that "The Steel Bonnets" has never been out of print since first publication in 1971.

In his characteristic animated prose, Fraser lays out the background of the border area, identifies its people, and describes their distinctive lifestyle. His narrative is commendably even-handed. If violence, robbery, and chicanery was a way of life for the reivers, he provides the necessary context. In a land without law, armed force was a necessity for survival. The long conflict between border families, and with the uncertain law enforcement of the border districts, has many layers. Fraser does his best to make sense of it all. He makes liberal use of colorful anecdotes to move the narrative along and to characterize a complicated history.

With the union of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603, the shelter of the border went away; the reivers were scourged out of existence in just ten years by a ruthless application of hanging justice. Fraser notes the similarities of the Anglo-Scottish border in its lawless heyday with the present-day frontiers of Pakistan and Afghanistan; those responsible for pacifying that bloody border may find here some useful lessons. "The Steel Bonnets" is very recommended as a superb example of well-written history.
16 people found this helpful
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R. E. Young
5.0 out of 5 stars Good price, great packaging!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2024
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Wow, good price, great packaging!! Book is in like new/unused condition!! Will definitely buy from this vendor again!!!! Thank You!!
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Alice
5.0 out of 5 stars THE STEEL BONNETS
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2014
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History of How My Family Had Lived! I found this to be a very eye opening read. I just could not believe life could be as cruel as it actually was. After reading this book, I found the stories I have read about some of my family and as bad as it was and the way the different kings men would go out and do all that I read they did to my own family it is such a shame to really learn how bad it really was!

I do a lot of Family History and just found this book to be fascinating. My family that I have shared this information have also found it to be very interesting to know this is the life they had lived.

I feel it to be an excellent history book for college.
6 people found this helpful
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C. Bryan
3.0 out of 5 stars Bonnets for the historian.
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2008
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Fraser is quite a writer - best in others of his works where he can use his talented imagination. And as a reporter of his own exploits in Burma during the war, his ability is outstanding (one should read "Quartered Safe Out Here").
However, here in "Steel Bonnets" his hands are tied by tiresome reality and a remove of 400 years. Fraser admits this book is not a primer or even a text for college study, but it is a recount of his research and written with nostalgic favor since he comes from the border area himself. Mr. Fraser has great pride in his background and home, and he repeats the stories as faithfully as anyone could. The problem with "Bonnets" is that it hasn't much of a story.
In the first six pages of the book all to be said is done; the remainder is elaboration on who, when and where. Bandits raid other people's farms and towns, burning, stealing, killing, etc.. Generations of upwards to thirty families continue this insanity until Scotland is joined to England in about 1605 or so with James VI and I.
IF you ARE related to "border riding" English/Scots - (especially if named Graham, Johnstone, Maxwell or Armstrong, Kerr, Hume, Elliot or Nixon) then the book is well worth a look.
31 people found this helpful
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Bill Reich
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating but Slow in Places
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2022
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This is the best introduction to border history there could be. Factual yet poetic, it takes the reader through a time of rough, lawless criminal surnames and rough corrup's t law enforcement. The author's comparison to the old west is apt. For a fictional picture of the period, seek the Robert Carey mysteries.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

MRMLEM
5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched and written
Reviewed in Canada on June 24, 2021
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I originally bought this book as an E copy and found it so informative and interesting that I bought a hard copy to have available to share and reference. I also enjoyed the Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser and found them to be historically well researched and documented as well, although very much a spoof on British military activities in the Victorian age.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Steel Bonnets
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2024
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I brought this book to help in my family tree research. It's very informative and has helped in my research.
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Samuel Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in Australia on July 9, 2020
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Well written non fiction
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Samuel Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in Australia on July 9, 2020
Well written non fiction
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RTF
5.0 out of 5 stars Book
Reviewed in Germany on March 24, 2013
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Just what I wanted, thank you,Just what I wanted, thank you,Just what I wanted, thank you,Just what I wanted, thank you,
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David Kerr
5.0 out of 5 stars Border rievers unite !
Reviewed in Canada on May 9, 2014
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I am a big fan of his Flashman series, and yet I didn't quite know what to expect from him writing non-fiction treatise.

Suffice to say that he handles the subject quite well.... he is thorough and, of course, quite entertaining. He writes a fun, factual and vivid account of those strange people who populate both sides of the Border Marches.

Being a Kerr might prejudice me towards this particular book, as the subject matter might be a bit too close to my heart... but I still believe that I can maintain my objectivity while recommending this novel highly... and doing so on it's own, sterling merit.

Enjoy !
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