IT is billed as a compelling inside story of the run up to the Scottish independence referendum, told by one the most pivotal figures in the historic vote.

But it appears that readers are split on the merits of Alex Salmond's new book, The Dream Shall Never Die: 100 Days That Changed Scotland, which charts the behind-the-scenes manoeuvering within the Yes campaign.

In what's almost a re-playing of the referendum in miniature, readers reviews of the book on the online marketplace Amazon vary between scathing criticism and high praise, with few falling in between.

Confirming Mr Salmond's reputation as a 'marmite politician', one who's either loved or hated, the tome is described as an "awful" book by one reader, and as the "best book I have ever read" by another, with ratings switching between one and five stars.

One reviewer writes: "A magnificent work of fiction, with deliciously evil villains and joyous, positive heroes. Though I felt the ending was a bit of an anti-climax."

Another said: "I was eagerly expecting a genuine insight into the referendum. What I got was a book about a man who thinks the world revolves around him. No 50/50 split of arguments, a genuine admittance of being wrong. This man is an egotist and very dangerous indeed. Awful man, awful book."

A third added: "Quite literally the worst book I've ever read. All self congratulatory waffle, golf stories and self denial. Salmonds hatred of the English really comes through. Look for this soon in your local pound shop."

However, on the other side, the former First Minister's supporters are full of praise for the book and its author.

One writes: "A great insight into what goes on in the background. Good humour and humility in equal measure. Clearly, this will be a 'one-sided' view, so I am bemused at the negative ratings (and rantings) because this is 'one-sided'...it is an autobiography afterall.

"Good personal view of the political awakening of a majority of Scots - much fewer of us continue to be political sheep."

Another adds: "He did for Scotland what no other politician managed to do in over 300 years. He brought Scotland right to the door of independence and now the door has opened on Scotlands journey to being an Independent Country in ites [sic] own right.

"Alex Salmond will be written in Scotlands history as one of if not the greatests [sic] of Scotlands leaders in modern times, he is todays equivalent of Willian [sic] Wallace."