David the Prince

by Nigel Tranter

Set in the twelth century, the incredible story of one of Scotland's greatest kings. Half-Celt and half-Saxon, determined King David who took hold of his backward, patriarchal, strife-ridden country and – against all the odds – pushed and dragged it to the forefront of Christendom's advancing nations. A story of independence, singlemindedness and hard-headed leadership. But also, through the turbulent years of his reign, a story of devotion – to the woman he admired and loved, Queen Matilda.

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

367 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

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

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The well written and picturesque novel of one of Scotland greatest kings with engaging intelligent dialogue and a good pace. Tranetr as usual demonstrates his love for the people, history and land of Scotland.

Like his namesake King David of Israel, David I of Scotland was a nation builder. David was the son of Malcolm III and Queen Margaret. After the deaths of his brothers, he gained the whole kingdom in 1124 and as an English baron he swore fealty to his niece the Empress Matilda, and supported her in the civil war against Stephen by invading England. The first two thirds of the novel covers the period before David's ascension to king of Scotland, and mainly covers his relations with his brothers when they were kings. Excellent focus on the English Civil War between Empress Matilda and King Stephen.
Defeated at the Battle of Standard in 1138, David returned to Scotland, and devoted himself to reforming the kingdom and introducing feudalism on Norman lines. He founded bishoprics and several monasteries, including Melrose Abbey and Holyrood.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nigel Tranter has a gift for taking factual historical characters and events and making them interesting. David the Prince is about David I, King of Scots. You really sense his dilemma between war and diplomacy; his struggle to maintain the correct line when dealing with Henry I, King of England. This book offers a great insight into what an independent Scotland battled against between Norway, England, and itself.

[Regan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent detail. Though fiction, Tranter captures the events of the times and the character of a great and yet humble King of Scots.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seventh book when reading in chronological order, Alexander I and David I are the Scottish main characters, but this book also gives a different perspective of Henry I of England. The battle between Maud and Stephen for English succession was also seen through Sottish eyes.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most well written, enjoyable and informative story, all based on facts about a great man. I love this period of history.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

David the Prince is a very informative story about a young Scottish Prince who was taking from Scotland at an early age to England. He was to be a political hostage.

This is an easy to read story of David's journey from the court of England to becoming the King of Scotland. His trials and tribulations along the way with deceit, back stabbing, lies and betrayal from those he considered his friends.

This is also a story of the stupidity of England and Scotland letting the Catholic Church from Rome rule them all, and the power of Archbishops over Kings. Cathedrals and Abby's were built to not only glorify god, but to appease the political situations.