Subject
Scotland -- History -- James II, 1437-1460 -- Fiction Books
Best books
James Grant
The Captain of the Guard
"The Captain of the Guard" by James Grant is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. Set in 15th century Scotland, the story centers around the young Earl of Douglas, his noble family, and the political intrigue that envelops them. The novel explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal against the backdrop of a tumultuous Scottish court, offering glimpses into the lives of key characters such as Sir Patrick Gray, Captain of the King's Guard, and the enchanting Murielle Douglas. At the start of the narrative, the scene is set on the eve of a significant event in November 1440, when the formidable Earl of Douglas is summoned to the court of a young King James II. Characters such as Sir William Crichton, the Lord Chancellor, and Sir Alexander Livingstone, the Regent, are introduced as they prepare to launch a deadly plot against the Douglas family. Meanwhile, the young earl's prideful demeanor and the tensions within his household hint at impending chaos. The opening vividly describes the atmosphere of anticipation and danger, with the ominous appearance of four coffins in a secluded chamber symbolizing the deadly fate awaiting the Douglases. With rich historical detail and compelling character dynamics, the beginning of this novel sets a thrilling stage for the unfolding drama.
Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge
Two Penniless Princesses
"Two Penniless Princesses" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a historical novel set in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two young princesses, Eleanor and Jean Stewart, who face the challenges of their royal status within the troubled Scottish court. Captured and confined in Dunbar Castle, they yearn for freedom and the joy of life beyond the dreariness of their surroundings, particularly longing for their sister Margaret, who has been married into the French court. The opening of the novel introduces us to the sisters in Dunbar Castle, where they share dreams of escape and adventure. Amid the bleakness of their captivity, they are preoccupied with thoughts of royalty and love, and their desire to reunite with Margaret drives the narrative. The sisters are expressed as strong characters; Eleanor is wistful and imaginative, while Jean is practical and steadfast. Their discussions reveal their hopes and frustrations, as they navigate the dangers of their situation, including threats from warlike nobles eager for connections with royalty. As the story begins, they are on the cusp of a significant journey towards their destiny, filled with anticipation and trepidation.
S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett
The Black Douglas
"The Black Douglas" by S. R. Crockett is a historical fantasy novel published in 1899. Set in fifteenth-century Scotland and France, it follows the powerful Earl of Douglas as he becomes entangled with a mysterious woman and the sinister Gilles de Retz. Blending history with supernatural elements including werewolves and dark sorcery, the story weaves romance, betrayal, and heroic rescue. This influential work notably inspired elements of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett
Maid Margaret of Galloway : $b The life story of her whom four centuries have called "the fair maid of Galloway"
"Maid Margaret of Galloway : The life story of her whom four centuries have…." by S. R. Crockett is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Told as the spirited first-person memoir of the “Fair Maid of Galloway,” it blends romance and clan politics with Franco-Scottish history in the era of the Douglases and the Dauphin of France. The tale centers on Margaret Douglas, her formidable cousin and intended, William Douglas, his dazzling brother James, and their friend Abbot Laurence M‘Kim, moving between a Touraine convent, a Loire-side château, and the larger struggle for power in Scotland. Expect courtly fêtes, tourneys, and intrigue threaded with a sharp, lively female voice. The opening of the novel frames Margaret’s narrative as “found papers,” then plunges into her witty account of hating life in a strict convent at Cheverney until Abbot Laurence arrives with a papal Bull to fetch her for a marriage to her cousin, William Douglas. Whisked to Cour Cheverney under the patronage of Sieur Paul, she tastes freedom, flirts, spars verbally with the future Louis XI (the Dauphin) in disguise, and needles both the grave William and the showy James. A lively sequence features her attempted escape toward Amboise, a triumphant tourney where James wins the prize, and William’s quiet, unexpected arrival as a masked combatant—only to be denied a kiss. At the start of their true courtship, William walks with her by a stream and candidly declares both his love and his grand design: to rule Scotland in fact, if not in name, avenge past wrongs, and bring law and order as the power behind the throne.
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