Macbeth was not the monstrous caricature created by Shakespeare; he was a real man who was born in Moray, part of the Kingdom of Alba, in the early 11th century. From early childhood Macbeth fought real-life treachery to protect his birthright to the throne and ruled successfully from 1040 to 1057. Travel what is now Scotland with a touring itinerary as you follow On the Trail of the Real Macbeth, King of Alba.
This is a clearly written, informative account of a man and his times which probably gets as close to the truth as is possible after 1,000 years. - SCOTS MAGAZINE
This book is for anyone who has been intrigued enough by the Scottish Play to wonder about the true story of King MacBethad mac Findlaech. - THE HERALD MAGAZINE
CAMERON TAYLOR graduated from Aberdeen University in 1979 with a degree in History. He had a career in the Civil Service before returning to his native Orkney to become CEO of Orkney Tourist Board. He established Seabridge Consultants in 2000 and has pursued a variety of cultural heritage and tourism interests since then. He now lives in Moray where Macbeth's ghost still haunts the past. His first book, Rooted in Scotland, was published by the Luath Press in 2007.
ALISTAIR MURRAY established Atlantic Marketing in 2004 after a varied career spanning three continents, ranging from oil exploration to leading manufacturing and media companies. He now pursues a number of interests in the creative industries and undertakes strategic consultancy. He currently lives in Caithness, where the surging tides of the Atlantic wash the jagged edge of Europe.
Contents
Maps 6
Foreword by Professor Graeme Morton 13
Shakespeare and Macbeth: Fact versus Fiction 15
Preface and Acknowledgements 17
Introduction 21
Chapter 1 Early Life 25
Chapter 2 The Winning of Moray and Gruoch 39
Chapter 3 Everything Depends On This 53
Chapter 4 King of Alba 69
Chapter 5 The Kingdom of Heaven 85
Chapter 6 The End of Many Things 109
Chapter 7 The Beginning of Countless Tales 123
On the Trail of the Real Macbeth 135
Appendix A Notes 137
Appendix B People 144
Appendix C Chronology 151
Appendix D Selected Further Reading 156
Appendix E King Macbeth Touring Itinerary 158