The Unicorn Rampant

by Nigel Tranter

Book Overview

The story of John Stewart of Methven, unwillingly knighted by James VI and I and drawn into a world of politics and greed This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0340386355
• ISBN13: 9780340386354
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.4" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Other Books

When James the Sixth returns to Scotland for a brief time, it causes all sorts of problems for the locals, and John Stewart is caught up in all of that, and also is caught up in lots of problems when James returns, and he has to go to. He just wants to get back to Scotland a pair of women in particular.

From small town Scotland to Big city England and politics

Unicorn Rampant is a fare Nigel Tranter book. I read it following the Wisest Fool by Tranter about King James the I. Unicorn Rampant was a bit of a let down. Slow in spots, but all in all a good book. It chronicles the life of John Stewart, Lord of Methvan and illegitimate son of Ludovich, "Vicky" Stewart, Duke of Lennox and cousin of the King. In a strange happening, John saves the King on his visit to Edinburgh and ends up Knighted and part of the King's court. John just wants to be a country Laird and continue his work at Methvan with his mother, Mary Gray, daughter of the infamous Patrick, Lord Gray. John proves neither the courtier that his father is nor the man of intrigue as his grandfather Patrick. He finds that the politics of London and the King's court are complicated and full of intrigue. Truth becomes twisted and everyone is out for some gain whether it is financial or status. The King is the puppet master balancing all between two kingdoms. John becomes royal keeper of Dumbarton Castle and starts new business in the paper trade between Scotland and England. Things start to spin out of control as he gets involved with a lady in the Queens court and is forced into a marriage. Just as all seems lost and John with it, he finds happiness and release from the jungle of London and King James court. Definitely a keeper but not as exciting and full of adventure as some of Tranters novels.

Excellent historical novel

I listened to this book on tape rather than reading it and enjoyed it very much. I am currently studying the history, society, clans, geography, etc. of Scotland and found this books not only enjoyable but historically correct and entertaining. I'm always amazed at what society accepted and did not accept in times past. John Stewart was a character whom I grew to care about and admired, in spite of his very human failings at times. He wanted to do what was right and good but all too often found himself caught up in events and compromise that would lead him into danger and intrigue. I feared the ending would not resolve itself happily but when it did, I rejoiced for John! A good read and I can't wait to read more of the many books written by Nigel Tranter.