In this classic account of Robert Bruce"s life and career, Professor Barrow describes the interplay and tension between Bruce and the concept of a Scottish nation of which Bruce aspired to be leader. He demonstrates the unity of purpose which linked the efforts of church leaders, nobles and free-holders throughout the period 1290 to 1329, as together they conducted a single-minded campaign to defend the freedom of the Scottish realm against English arms and armed onslaught.