The Montrose Omnibus: Young Montrose / Montrose: The Captain General

Montrose #1-2

by Nigel Tranter

James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, remained steadfast and loyal to the monarch he served, Charles I. During the darkest days of the Civil War, he risked everything in the fight to save his King. James Graham's final reward was to be the ultimate royal betrayal.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland

556 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

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

[Carolyn Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read for anyone interested in Scotland's involvement during the English or British Civil Wars. I bought the book many years ago when I was in Scotland but never got around to reading it until now and couldn't put it down.

A rather gripping novel about the brave, dashing James Graham, the 5th Earl (and later Marquess) of Montrose who initially opposed King Charles I forcing an Anglican Prayerbook on the Scottish Presbyterian Kirk, before changing sides to take up arms for the Royalist Cause.

He won a series of battles for King Charles before his defeat at Philiphaugh before fleeing into exile.

Montrose returned to Scotland to raise the standard for Charles II only to be betrayed and sent to his death.

My question - why hasn't Montrose's story been made into a movie or a mini-series? It would be worth watching.

[Steve822 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two books in one so you get the whole story of Montrose and a fascinating story it is, well told by the author. I thought it might be a bit much both books at once (sometimes you need a break from the author's writing style, no criticism, just the language gets a bit Shakespearean, you have to keep paying attention, which gets a bit tiring) but it was a page turning tale and I felt a bit emotional when it finished. How historically accurate is it? Read Tranter before and I trust him...and he tells s good tale