The Scottish author Nigel Tranter wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters.
This page includes those of his historical novels set in Scotland in the period 1286–1603. This begins with the death of Alexander III, which precipitated the Contest for the Crown and the Wars of Scottish Independence. The period closes with the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland acceded the English throne.
For Tranter's historical novels set outside this timeframe see:
For other books by Nigel Tranter, see here.
Contents |
First published in 1975, ISBN 978-0340191293
1296–1305 William Wallace
Originally published as three books; later re-published in one volume as The Bruce Trilogy.
First published in 1969 by Hodder & Stoughton.
Set during the period 1296–1306, this book follows the life of Robert, Earl of Carrick as he begins to understand his destiny. It begins with John I of Scotland (John Balliol) humiliated and stripped of his crown by Edward I of England. A shocked witness, Robert Bruce has to consider his own loyalties. As Scotland suffers an English invasion and occupation, Bruce begins his struggle to establish a new order in Scotland. He both collaborates, and clashes with his contemporary William Wallace; he forms alliances and friendships with, amongst others, James Douglas and William de Lamberton, and becomes a deadly rival of John Comyn. Bruce and Comyn's argument in Greyfriars Church, which resulted in Comyn's death, occasions Bruce's hasty crowning as King of Scotland. The story ends with his loss at the Battle of Methven, and escape.
By telling the story from Bruce's point-of-view, Tranter shows clearly how Scotland's turbulent politics and Bruce's own mixed loyalties informed his actions, providing credible motives for his apparent "switching sides" (as he had supported Edward I at one time) and his murder of Comyn.
For further historical detail see: Wars of Scottish Independence; First War of Scottish Independence.
First published in 1970 by Hodder & Stoughton.
1306–1314
First published in 1971 by Hodder & Stoughton.
1314–1329
First published in 1987
Set during 1332–1342, this novel depicts Scotland in the aftermath of Bruce's death under the reign of his son David II, focussing on the tale of Alexander Ramsay and William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale.
First published in 2000
Set during 1369–1391, during the reigns of David II and Robert II, the story follows John Dunbar, 4th Earl of Moray.
Originally comprising three books, the trilogy has since re-appeared as one volume.
First published in 1976
1388–1390 – from the Battle of Otterburn to the coronation of Robert III of Scotland.
First published in 1977 1396–1402 – from the Battle of the Clans to the death of David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay.
First published in 1977 1402–1411 – following directly from Folly of Princes and ending with the Battle of Harlaw.
First published in 1967
The story of King James I... from a young boy until his murder.
1403–1437 James I
First published in 1997
Set during 1437–1460, during the reign of James II, the book describes the boy-king's time under regents Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Douglas, Lord Crichton, and Sir Alexander Livingston, and the plot to kill William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas at the "Black Dinner", seen through the eyes of Alexander Lyon, Master and then 2nd Lord of Glamis. The book ends with the death of James.
First published in 1968
Set 1448–1452, this book covers in detail some of the aspects of the reign of James II, and the fall of the Black Douglases. It features William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas, who restored the power of the Earls of Douglas following the murder of the 6th earl. The book ends with William's murder at the hands of James II himself, in Stirling Castle. It makes some speculative claims about his allegedly disfuncional marriage with Margaret Douglas, Fair Maid of Galloway.
First published in 1994
Set 1466–1469, the book follows Princess Mary Stewart, sister of James III, and her first husband Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran.
First published in 1994 by Hodder & Stoughton ISBN 6780340587850
1474–1488: Princess Mary Stewart and John Douglas of Douglasdale
First published in 2001 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 2001.
The story of Sir Andrew Wood of Largo, sea-captain under James III, James IV and the infant James V.
First published in 1964
1488–1513 James IV from Sauchieburn to Flodden, repeats dubious legends about the alleged murder of Margaret Drummond.
First published in 1998
1494–1513 James IV, his mistress Janet Kennedy, and her brother David Kennedy, 1st Earl of Cassilis
First published in 1966.
1513–1546 James V and Cardinal David Beaton
First published in 1984
Set 1513–1524, focusses on James V of Scotland and Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount.
First published 1985
1524–1537
First published 1986
1537–1550
1542–1563
1561–1568
1562
1568–1587
This trilogy is set during the reign of James VI, up to the Union of the Crowns. It is centred on Patrick Gray, 6th Lord Gray, Master of Gray at the time, who is depicted as a machiavellian figure, although it could seriously exagerrate his importance.
Lord and Master
1574–1587 This was originally titled "The Master of Gray". but was re-named after the title was used for the entire trilogy.
The Courtesan
1587–1592 This title refers to a fictional illegitimate daughter of Patrick Gray, who became mistress of the Earl of Lennox.
Past Master
1592–1603 This ends with the Union of the Crowns and James crossing the border at Berwick.
1589–1603 The story of Alastair MacGregor of Glenstrae and the proscription of the name MacGregor.