Montrose: For Covenant and King

by Edward J. Cowan

This is the first modern biography of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose. One of the most famous and dashing figures in Scottish history, his heroic struggle in the face of hopeless odds still excites the imagination.
For three years Montrose was in the vanguard of the fight against Catholicism and Stuart despotism. Yet during this time, extremists among the Covenanters became ever more influential and Montrose, sickened by their excesses, defected to the king.
Under Charles I he enjoyed his 'glorious year' of dazzling victories, routing the rebels in a series of battles. But his dramatic success was shortlived, and in quick succession he was defeated, exiled and finally betrayed. Montrose was hanged in 1650, yet his legendary victories remain to this day one of the most astonishing military episodes in British history.

326 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Edward J. Cowan FRSE was a Scottish historian. He was born in Edinburgh and educated at Dumfries Academy.

He was Professor of Scottish History at the University of Glasgow and Director of the university’s Dumfries Campus, he previously taught at the Universities of Edinburgh and Guelph, Ontario. A fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, he was also a Visiting Professor in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.