John Lesley (1527-1596) bishop of Ross is the author of a Latin history of Scotland first
printed in Rome in 1578. Lesley's elegant style and his detailed knowledge of Scottish history
make De Origine Moribus et Rebus Gestis Scotorum Libri decem a work that merits the attention
of both classicists and historians. This philological edition of the 8th book (which covers the
years 1437 to 1513) contains an insightful introduction to Lesley's life and his writings a
German translation a commentary and a register of people and places. For the first time a
significant portion of John Lesley's impressive history of Scotland is thus made available in
an easily accessible edition to researchers and the general public interested in Scottish
history.
