Anyone looking for the cutting edge of historical understanding of northern Britain from the earliest times to the Viking Age should look no further.
- I. Ward, Amazon
The field of 'Pictish studies' has advanced in Scotland in recent years. The author has been at the forefront of some of these developments and this book is a measure both of his intellectual ability and his tenacity in solving many of the 'Problems of the Picts'. It deserves to become a recommended text.
- Alasdair Ross, University of Stirling, Early Medieval Europe
There are many qualities in Fraser’s work which make it ideal as set text on Scottish history. The author writes with great clarity, even when dealing with complex issues. His work is detailed and the general perception that there is little material to write a history of the Picts is effectively blown apart by his close scrutiny of sources written by neighbouring peoples... This is surely one of the most ground-breaking books on Scottish history of recent times.
- Claire Downham, Univsersity of Aberdeen, Journal of Scottish Historical Studies
this impressive work must be the starting point for future investigation and debate.
- School of History, University of Leeds, Northern History, XLVII (2)
A very important contribution to the study of early Scottish history. It is a rigorous piece of scholarship and a treasure trove of new ideas that will excite scholars and general readers alike.
- Fiona Edmonds, Clare College, Cambridge, Scottish Historical Review