Lord in Waiting

by Nigel Tranter

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0340587857
• ISBN13: 9780340587850
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Lord in Motion.

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.