Lion Let Loose

by Nigel Tranter

This book tells the story of James the First of Scotland, who was an extraordinary poet, thinker, warrior, athlete, and statesman. His romance with Joanna Beaufort is one of the great love stories in history, and the love for him of Catherine Douglas one of the most poignant.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for Nigel Tranter and this novel covers the life and reign of James I, the third king of the Stewart Dynasty who spent 18 years of his life in English captivity while his uncle, the Duke of Albany plundered Scotland. It was during his captivity that he met Joanna Beaufort and Henry V would encourage their relationship and marriage hoping to weaken Scotland through it. Instead Joanna was his loyal wife and queen throughout the crises that came up in James's reign; the destruction of the Albany Stewarts, the rebellion of the Highland clans, and the three-pronged betrayal backed by the English that Joanna warned him of just in time for him to deal with it. I totally enjoyed it

[Kathy Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone loves Scotland as much as I do (and yet have not had the opportunity to visit), you should read the fiction by Nigel Tranter based on historical events. So fascinating. I have read both his trilogies on the Bruce and the Stewart royalty. This one about the James the 1st was equally entertaining and very informative. I may have committed myself to reading all his books in chronological order!

[Margareth8537 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a writer well worth reading. Rarely lets you down.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story about James I of Scotland—fugitive, captive, and king who had to fight every inch of the way. Nigel Tranter gives us another unforgettable tale about those ill-fated Stewarts. They never seem to get a break! Loyal followers of the dying Robert III attempted to save the young prince from the grasp of the nefarious Duke of Albany—who had already starved his older brother to death in prison. Unfortunately, his rescuers inadvertently put him in the path of pirates who captured him for King Henry IV. What a prize for England! Our young King James was kept in honorable confinement for the next eighteen years. Henry IV, and then Henry V, attempted to wear him down and demand he swear fealty to the English king. Henry V even brought him to France in an attempt to force the Scots to quit fighting for the enemy. Throughout, James adamantly refused to cooperate.

“Did I hear you say negotiations, sir?” James interrupted, and deliberately – for to interrupt the king’s speech was something that no-one else in all England might presume to do. “Or did I mistake you?”
Henry frowned. “I said negotiations, yes. With these emissaries of Scotland.”
“On what subject, sir?”
“On subjects not a few. On the shameful Scottish aid to France. On the question of a Border truce. On my suzerainty. Aye – and even on the matter of your own, h’m, enlargement, my lord.”
James drew a deep breath. “I fear Your Majesty is in some error here,” he said. “These are not matters on which you may negotiate. Talk, yes. Discuss, maybe. But for negotiation, sir, you require the King of Scots, do you not?”

The cat-and-mouse game went on for years, until Henry V’s untimely death opened the way for James to return to Scotland. And not a moment too soon! Law and order had totally broken down, as nobles literally got away with murder. Albany’s three sons ran rampant after his death, and the eldest, Murdoch, had taken over the regency illegally. James immediately showed everyone who was boss, and imposed his will on recalcitrant earls—at much danger to himself. It took many years for him to reestablish the authority of the kingship, but the Scots were an unruly people and he was fighting a losing battle. You can tell his frustration throughout. It looked like this remarkable man might have attained a golden age for Scotland, but even he wasn’t brutal enough to make it work.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading in chronological order (#25), so the story continues with lots of the characters already known. This one touches on lots of things going on in England and France, because James I spends time in both. Good to see European history from the Scottish perspective.
Tranter always tells a good story.

[Gary Lawrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trantner's writing is very good and he uses Scottish history to tell some amazing tales. I read many of his story's in my younger days and lately have re-reading some of them. People may argue over the historical accuracy but in my experience it is not far off. Enjoy it for what it is - a historical novel.

[Ruth Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Nigel Grantee’s body of work moves along with each successive retelling of history with love for the characters. I am bets pleased.