Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set before 1286

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Nigel Tranter is a Scottish author who wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters.

This page includes those of his books set in Scotland from earliest times until the death of Alexander III in 1286.

For other historical novels by Nigel Tranter see Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set between 1286-1603 or Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set after 1603

For other books by Nigel Tranter see here.

Contents 1 List of books in chronological order 1.1 Druid Sacrifice 1.2 Columba 1.3 Kenneth 1.4 High Kings and Vikings 1.5 MacBeth the King 1.6 Margaret the Queen 1.7 David the Prince 1.8 Lord of the Isles 1.9 Tapestry of the Boar 1.10 Sword of State 1.11 Envoy Extraordinary 1.12 Crusader 1.13 True Thomas

[edit] List of books in chronological order

[edit] Druid Sacrifice

First published in 1993 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 1993.

Set during the period AD 518-543, the book tells the story of Thanea, or Denw, the daughter of King Loth (Lleuddun) of Gododdin, and mother of Saint Mungo. When she objects to her pagan father's druidical practices, and refuses to marry the man picked out for her, she survives an 'execution' on Traprain Law and is cast adrift on the River Forth in a Coracle. She seeks sanctuary with the monks of Saint Serf, where she brings up her infant son.

Tranter's tale blends historical detail from early manuscripts with Scottish folklore and Arthurian legend. According to the latter, Loth is King Arthur's brother-in-law, and father of Gawain and Mordred.

[edit] Columba

First published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1987. Paperback edition 1990.

Set approx. 563-597, this tells of Saint Columba.

[edit] Kenneth

Originally published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1990. Paperback edition 1992.

Set circa AD 833-842, the title character is Kenneth MacAlpin, who united the Picts and Scots.

[edit] High Kings and Vikings

First published in 1998 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 1998.

Set in the years, 995-1006

[edit] MacBeth the King

First published in 1978 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 1981.

Covering the years 1032-1057, this book tells of Macbeth, who acceded the throne of Scotland in 1040. Basing the story around what is known of Macbeth, Tranter has fleshed the story out, and his final 'Historical Note' explains some of his suppositions. From historical record, it is certain that Macbeth was a young, well-liked king, and bore little resemblence to Shakespeare's fictional version.

[edit] Margaret the Queen

First published in 1979 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 1981.

1069-1093 Saint Margaret of Scotland

[edit] David the Prince

First published in 1980 by Hodder & Stoughtton. Paperback edition 1982.

1100-1153 David I of Scotland

[edit] Lord of the Isles

First published in 1983 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 1985.

1135-1164 Somerled

[edit] Tapestry of the Boar

First published in 1993 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 1994.

1160-1166 Hugh de Swinton

[edit] Sword of State

First published in 1999 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 1999.

Patrick III, Earl of Dunbar

[edit] Envoy Extraordinary

Patrick of Dunbar

[edit] Crusader

First published in 1991 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 1991.

1248-1264 David Lindsay

[edit] True Thomas

First published in 1981 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition

Set ?1265-1292. Based on Thomas the Rhymer.