Wallace; or, the Life and Acts of Sir William Wallace, of Ellerslie

A vivid medieval chronicle brings the legend of Scotland’s most celebrated warrior to life, drawing from two ancient manuscripts that have survived in a university library for centuries. The narrative, composed in the popular verse of the time, offers a striking portrait of the man behind the myth, portraying his daring exploits and the fierce loyalty he inspired among his followers.

The work is attributed to Henry the Minstrel, a blind poet whose personal devotion to preserving Wallace’s memory shines through every stanza. Though his own circumstances left him dependent on others for transcription, his lyrical eye captures battles, betrayals, and the raw spirit of a nation yearning for freedom with an immediacy that still resonates today.

Modern scholarship frames the poem with helpful notes, biographical sketches, and a glossary that illuminate obscure language and historical references. These editorial insights turn a centuries‑old composition into an engaging listening experience, allowing audiences to appreciate both the heroic tale and the remarkable mind that recorded it.