Scotichronicon: Books 3 and 4

Book excerpt: At the request of David Stewart of Rosyth, a Fife laird, Walter Bower wrote this epic history of the Scots. He took over materials ascribed to an earlier historian, John of Fordun, and continued the history down to his own day. Among the famous stories he covers is the myth that the Scots took their name originally from Scota, Pharaoh's daughter. Scotichronicon has become one of the most important medieval accounts of early Scottish history. It provides a strong expression of national identity and offers a window into the world view of medieval commentators.