Lord of the Isles

by Nigel Tranter

Book by Tranter, Nigel

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland, Fiction, Novels, 12th Century, Historical

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

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

[Jan-Maat]

Enjoyed this when I read it, but only actually recall the opening now as the Lordship over the Isles is created through conquest using row boats. Even when I first read them it was easier to find Trantor in libraries than on bookshop shelves. However he is a consistent historical novelist with a sense of the dramatic. An entertaining way to pick up an acquaintanceship with Scottish history.

However in retrospect I am less sure if this is good idea, the nature of a novel requires a certain simplicity which alienates our understanding from actual politics let alone historical politics. I mean a story has its hero and its villain, a beginning, a middle and an end. Somebody will be right and some one else wrong. This I feel only inclines us to look for great men on white horses other colours are available, please see your dealer for details to gallop in and solve our problems. My developing dislike for this kind of writing no doubt is caused in good part for the enormous affection that one comes across for Richard III, this I attribute mostly to the Sunne in Splendour and his curious reincarnation as national hero of the nation of Yorkshire. The novel takes us away from the reality of people frequently making quick decisions generally under the influence of alcohol and occasionally chronic health problems. If they were our contemporaries our lips would curl whenever they appeared on the television promising jam tomorrow, safely ensconced in a novel though all manner of men and even women suddenly become fairly loveable.

[Iona Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for book research of my own and got completely swept up by the story, which has sea battles, desperate last stands, Vikings, Celts, romance and a lot of swashbuckling. How much of it is actually true is debatable - I was surprised to learn that the historical record doesn't even give us a date of birth for Somerled -but I enjoyed it very much anyway. It is a bit weird about women, as most books written in the eighties by men are, but you can't have everything.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time period in this book overlaps David the Prince, and it is helpful to read them around the same time. England's Henry the 2nd has an influence on the Lord of the Argyll and the islands of the Hebrides Sea. The struggle for power between the old Celtic families and Margaret sons is occurring while Lord Somerled is trying to rid the west of Viking invaders.
Eighth book in series chronologically.

[Ani Greenwood]

o, nigel! what’s the story?

I’ll try again, luv.

[Bill Membery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hebrides history

Excellent view of the period turned into an adventure and historical novel, the conflicts between Normans, Celts, Scots, English and Norwegian crowns is explained well, as is the geography of the highlands and islands.

[Arlomisty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another very well written historical novel by Nigel Tranter... my only complaint... it ends very quickly.

[Kyle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lotta fun, so many raids, naval battles and political maneuvering. Can't believe they did my boy dirty like that tho.

[Raymond Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tale of Somerled made historical fiction in Nigel Tranters wonderful style. I think this the best of his books, though many may disagree for he wrote so many enjoyable works. Such tales were my bread and butter for a while and no one told such tales of my homeland with the passion and romance that nigel tranter did.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of his better stories.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well written, I find myself thinking Im home when I read each word!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about my ancesters. It has gotten me interested in finding out more about my family "Clan Donald". I have always been intersted in geneology, so it was really cool to read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and a good resource.