In this re-issue of a continuing classic, Donald Gregory explores the turbulent and compelling past of Scotland's Highlands and Islands in the medieval era, concentrating on the years between 1493 and 1625. This is the original history of the lands of the former Lords of the Isles, charting their struggle to regain stability after the years of Somerled and his followers. Gregory offers the definitive account of the area's progress, taking the reader from the successful and popular reign of James IV to the distinctly more dangerous years of Charles I, and charting the immense amount of change that occurred during this time. Initially published in 1881, "The History of the Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland, 1493-1625" is an invaluable and classic piece of scholarship on an era of Scottish history which is often neglected.