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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
A Stunning Historical novel, 28 Jan 2001
By A Customer
Anyone who is familiar with the novels of Nigel Tranter will no doubt be aware of this absolute gem, chronicling the heroic life and times of perhaps, Scotlands least well known hero. Set during the turbulent reign of King Charles the First, it tells the remarkable tale of James Graham, Earl of that name who became the first Marquis of Montrose during the civil wars of the 17th century. When we think of the civil war, we tend to only remember the English, but Scotland was also very much at war with Parliament and the Royalists utterly divided. The opening chapters deal with the incrdedibly complex political and religous circumstances surrounding the events that would, ulltimatley, lead to conflict in both England and Scotland and the author handles these issues with his customary skill, leading the reader into the main theme of the book which is Montroses` unending struggle for the Royalist cause, at great cost to not only himself, but his entire family and clan. Tranters ability to describe the astounding forced marches of Montrose and his soldiers is awesome,in a hard, rugged Scotland in all seasons, the army of Montrose enduring the hardships of this campaign, which is made so realistic and fascinating because the author actually walked the areas he was describing, writing long hand as he went! This book has it all for the avid historical novel reader, politics, intrigue, betrayal, foul murder, wonderfully exciting battles and breathtaking panoramas, all set againnst a character lifted from the pages of history that I found to be a true noble man of the highest principles and honour. In my mind, this ranks alongside the Bruce novels by Nigel Tranter as his very best work. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A brilliant and moving story told by the best in this field.
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