The Stone

by Nigel Tranter

Plundered from Scotland by Edward I in 1296, the Stone of Destiny lay beneath the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey for 700 years-but for centuries rumor and speculation have surrounded the origins of this symbol of Royal power. This is the extraordinary tale of the quest for the true Stone of Destiny.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland

Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.

Reviews

[Roxana Chirilă · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came across "The Stone" accidentally, when someone left a crate of books they were giving away in our classroom in university. It sounded interesting, so I picked it up and determined I would read it and like it.

Over 10 years passed, during which I brought "The Stone" along with me when I moved, always postponing it, losing it under "to be read" piles, until a few days ago when I finally told myself the moment had come. Alas, the wait was not worth it.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but what I got was a romp across a small bit of Scotland, driven by Patrick Drummond Kincaid (of Kincaid), descendant of local gentry, penniless, but having an idea that the Stone of Scone, a priceless Scotland artifact, was about to be dug up from a dovecot on old Kincaid land.

So, the way history goes, the Stone of Scone was used during the crowning of monarchs in Scotland, but when the English invaded in 1296, they grabbed it and took it to England. The way this book goes, the English were given a crappy replica, and the *real* stone was hidden away and forgotten for centuries until a bunch of Oxford scholars uncovered its potential hiding place.

Patrick and a ragtag group of Scottish patriots recruited ad-hoc for the occasion resolve to dig it up first and hide it away so that Scotland can keep it. Alas, while the premise is good, their actions are dumb, and they nearly get discovered several times, requiring them to keep running around with it and hide themselves in plain sight by using costumes in order to take it away from under the nose of the English.

I can't tell if this is supposed to be adventure or humor, but I was bored more often than not, and rarely amused. While "The Stone" might strike differently for those who feel patriotically about Scotland, I found it a bit thin, and its plot hinged a bit too much on coincidence and rookie mistakes; there's also romance, but it feels slapped on without much grace, as almost an addendum to the main storyline.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good Scots' tale if perhaps somewhat tame by the standards of Billy Connolly and Trainspotting. I've enough Jacobite genes to appreciate putting one over on the sassenach and am enough of an historian to enjoy a well presented alternate version to the generally accepted (however questionable) received account.

[Arlomisty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book... one of the best I've read of Nigel Tranter.... I really enjoyed this story!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nigel Tranter has been one of the most influential authors to me. His books are difficult to find here in the states, but they are a wonderful tribute to the Scottish heritage. This book is especially fascinating as it deals with the Stone of Destiny, an important element of Scottish history. The Scottish accents that he write are a bit difficult to understand at times, but I adore this book. If you can find any of his books, read them!

[Don Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems to be Tranter's only book set in modern times. It's light-hearted, well crafted and a very fun read, but still representative of his deep love of Scotland.

[Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best. An imaginery account of the 'real' Stone of Destiny being found by a group of young Scots in 1950s. Unfortunately they manage to lose it again. So is the real Stone in Edinburgh Castle?

[Fiona Robson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay. Interesting facts about the Stone of Destiny, but storyline a bit straighforward. I liked the ending, though.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking good highland adventure. It's the first Tranter book I've read set in the 20th century..and it won't be the last!

[JA Condie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a sequel to the Iain Hamilton gang’s caper with the coronation stone at Westminster. This story draws on the legends surrounding The Stone of Destiny (the real stone that was hidden and never left Scotland, not the sandstone privy-cover Longshanks carried off!). The protagonist is a bit of a pompous eegit but most other characters are great – especially the resourceful and spirited Jean Graham.