Somerled: Hammer of the Norse Paperback – October 1, 2004

I read the other reviews and was excited, as a descendant of Somerled, to read more about my great, great, great .... Grandpappy. I found the book more like a history book. In between some of the `history stuff' were some very interesting stories about boat building (an important part of that life) and alliances to other families. The book is divided into three parts. Part I gives you some background of life prior to Somerled. Part II is on the Kingdom of Argyll and the Isles, which I was unfamiliar with. Part III is about The Ships. Somerled is really only discussed in Part II between pages 53-91. I was hoping for a little more insight. Overall, well worth a 15 bucks.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable if unusual sort of biography: relatively little about the man himself, but a wonderful bounty of information regarding his world, from Viking shipbuilding to Clan histories to the competing empires of the medieval North Sea. Some background in Norse and Gaelic history would probably be helpful going in. Highly recommended.

historically correct starting with the norse and a great easy read for all interested in history of the western isles and Ireland and their influence on Scottish/English history.,

The History of Scotland is entwined with numerous variables. This book deciphers the Gaelic Western Isle powers descended from Somerled, Clan Donald and the struggles it waged with the Norman Scots Kings. It is one to add to any library of Scottish History and British history in general.

Most of the book is about subjects other than Somerled. It is true there is not much information about his life but I do not understand why the author would write a book with only three chapters out of thirteen devoted to the subject.

A good bit of family history!

Of the 40+ books in my bookcase for my research on Somerled and Clan Donald, this is one I keep coming back to. No other book provides a list of Somerled's castles--in existence during his time--or a map showing where they are. And her attention to historical detail is excellent. I love this book and would read others by MacPhee. Great job!!

This is an excellent account of the life & exploits of Somerled and sets a foundation for early modern history of the Islands

Somerled? Odd name? Means "Summer Wanderer" . He is the first Scottish "Lord of The Isles". Second only to the Kings of Scotland in authority. He controlled the Scottish western Isles such as Skye, Rum, Eigg, Islay, Arran, Jura, Mull, Colonsay to name a few. Somerled's grandson was Donald-------hence Clan Donald or MacDonald. Clan Donald's Chieftain held the Title "Lord of The Isles" until the middle ages when it was usurped by English Royalty. The Lord of The Isles title should be returned to the Chieftainship of Clan Donald where it rightfully belongs. Somerled's story is a fascinating one including driving the invading Danes out of Scotland. A must read for anyone with any Scots ancestry. Slainte Mhath (Scots Gaelic for "good health")

Even before recent DNA information showed that Somerled was actually Norse I believe evidence was strongly suggestive of this anyway. Somerled 'driving out the Norse' referred to local Gall-Gael defending against raiders and people sent by the Norwegian Kingdom to bring the Inse-Gall under their control. Over sensationalist and slightly barmy is how I would describe this book. Suggesting that the Norse were the only bloodthirsty heathens around at that time is so ridiculous. Burning witches or slaughtering the whole population of Jerusalem in the name of God are hardly Christian are they and these things and worse happened in later centuries.

Had to have this because it was early Scottish history. This was great because it was such an early period.