Macbeth: A True Story

A respected historian of medieval Scotland releases the authentic historical Macbeth from a prison of literary and folkloric myth Thanks to Shakespeare, the name Macbeth has become a byword for political ambition realized by bloody violence. Fiona Watson has uncovered, buried beneath the layers of myth, a history that is entirely different from, but just as extraordinary as, that recounted by Shakespeare. As ruler of Alba (Scotland) Macbeth sat on one of the longest-established thrones in Western Europe. It is true that he killed Duncan, the previous king, but this was the normal, if brutal, method of regime change in Dark Age Scotland. The reality is that Macbeth quickly established himself as an effective and popular ruler. As a Celtic warrior-king, he was responsible for the maintenance of his people's dominance of northern Britain. A friend to the Church and valiant protector of his people, the real Macbeth epitomized the contemporary model of vigorous medieval kingship. His fascinating story, long overdue in the telling, is done full justice in this authoritative and compelling narrative.

"Watson is a fine historian and in this well-executed biography of one of Scotland's most famous kings she reveals that the real monarch of the 11th century bears little resemblance to Shakespeare's famous creations. . . . A fascinating read through Scotland's Middle Ages."  —Big Issue

"She does an excellent job of setting the stage for her hero with her thorough survey of the period in which he lived and discussion of the nature of early medieval kingship."  —Sunday Times

"Watson paints a vivid picture of a distant time"  —Library Journal

Thanks to Shakespeare, the name Macbeth has become a byword for political ambition realised by bloody violence. Fiona Watson has uncovered, buried beneath the layers of myth, a history that is entirely different from, but just as extraordinary as, that recounted by Shakespeare. As ruler of Alba (Scotland) Macbeth sat on one of the longest-established thrones in Western Europe. It is true that he killed Duncan, the previous king, but this was the normal, if brutal, method of regime change in Dark Age Scotland.
The reality is that Macbeth quickly established himself as an effective and popular ruler. As a Celtic warrior-king, he was responsible for the maintenance of his people's dominance of northern Britain. A friend to the Church and valiant protector of his people, the real Macbeth epitomised the contemporary model of vigorous medieval kingship. His fascinating story, long overdue in the telling, is done full justice in Fiona Watson's authoritative and compelling narrative.

Fiona Watson is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. She is the author of Scotland, A History and Under the Hammer: Edward I and Scotland, 1296–1305. She has hosted many television and radio series, including a radio program on Macbeth.