- Hardcover: 384 pages
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd; 1st.ed. edition (1 Dec 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0340587857
- ISBN-13: 978-0340587850
- Product Dimensions: 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,643,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
A weak monarch was a disaster for a nation, particularly in Scotland, where because of clan feuding, a firm hand was always essential. For the feeble James the Third his problem was exaceberated by his surrounding himself with low-born courtiers. This is a novel of romance and treachery.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
Nigel Tranters Lord In Waiting is an epic story set during the reign of James the Third. It follows the fortunes of John, Lord of Douglasdale and encompasses the stunning scenery, fierce clan rivalry and political intrigue of 15th Century Scotland. As his readers have come to expect, Nigel Tranter weaves this tale with great pace, taking the reader on a panoramic adventure from the far flung wilderness of Scotlands northern isles to the gently sloping hills of the border lands, encompassing along the way a rich diversity of characters and landscapes, all woven together to recreate the exciting atmosphere of those turbulent times. John becomes involved in the affairs of King and Parliament at the behest of Princess Mary, elder sister to the King, leading eventually to a deep yet frustrating love. He is the younger son of the 4th Earl of Angus and has to manage his estates and tenants of Douglasdale in Lothian, whilst being at the beck and call of his older brother, Earl of Angus, Archiebald, head of the Red Douglas clan. When they are called upon to help the Princess Mary, the brothers have no choice but to obey the royal command. Although John quickly finds the frequent requests of attendance by Mary to be both rewarding and dangerous, as they embroil him ever deeper in the affairs of state. It becomes apparent also, that the King is a weak and unstable character who falls under the influence of William Sheves, a once lowly priest who appears to have found favour with the King and has risen to become the power behind the throne, much to the chagrin of the nobility. To add further to the turmoil, Henry, King of England is determined to undermine James and a war of words and envoys ensues that greatly concerns both John and Mary who undertake their own strategies to keep the peace and Henry at bay. Add to all of this feuding clans, grasping nobles, murder, dramatic, rugged scenery and perilous voyages to the Orkneys and the reader is treated to a masterpiece of storytelling that I enjoyed immensely. I found it to be both absorbing and gripping throughout with twists and turns along the way, right to the final page. Once again Nigel Tranter has delivered a complete novel with all of his customary flair and style.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
1 review
Lord in Motion.
11 Jun 2006
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The second son of the Earl of Angus, John Douglas is anything but waiting. He is the titular Lord of Douglas-dale since the fall of the "Black" Douglas. John is the thinker of the family and his older brother, Archibald, Earl of Angus is the action man. John starts from just fishing and composing ballads to being thrust onto the nation scene of 15th century Scotland by his infatuation with Princess Mary, daughter of King James the Second and older sister of James III. Mary who would have made the better monarch uses John as her arm of action taking John away from his duties as Archibald's deputy and counselor to errands such as looking after the newly appointed and quickly deposed, Patrick Graham, Archbishop of St. Andrew's. James III's is shown as a indecisive and petulant monarch with more interest in his low-born male favorites than ruling a kingdom. Under the influence of William Shreves, an astrologer and alchemist, James III succumbs and Scotland rebels. Shreves becomes Archbishop and rules all. John attempts to advise and temper his brother Archibald who has thrown in support with Alexander, Duke of Albany, brother of the King. Alexander becomes a competitor for the throne with support of most of the Lords and people of Scotland. Mary continually sends and tasks John again and again. This Tranter novel is a great book, rich in detail and character developement. I had to take my time with it. I felt I knew John well and saw life very vividly through him, from his travels through the Lowlands to visit some Abbots to help Archbishop Graham, we learn more of the Scottish church, old and new. His quest to bring to heel Angus Macdonald of the Isles in the Highlands takes us through the northern part of the land and his eventual friendship of the Duke of Rothesay, James, heir to the throne is his ultimate undoing. John spends much time torn between Mary, his life's love and his brother "Archie" and family duties. An honest man who is doing anything but waiting, except for maybe some peace and quiet. A very enjoyable read and a very worthy sequel to Price of a Princess, by Tranter. I would rate this Tranter novel with the Bruce Trilogy and the Wallace.
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