Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set between 1286-1603

Nigel Tranter was a Scottish author who wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters.

This page includes those of his historical novels set in Scotland in the period 1286-1603. This begins with the death of Alexander III, which precipitated the Contest for the Crown and the Wars of Scottish Independence. The period closes with the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland acceded the English throne.

For historical novels set outside this timeframe see
Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set before 1286 or
Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set after 1603.

For other books by Nigel Tranter, see here.

The Wars of Independence (1286-1329)

"The Isleman"

Angus Og of Islay

"The Wallace"

"First Published in 1975"

1296-1305 William Wallace

Robert the Bruce trilogy

Originally published as three books. It was later published in one volume as "The Bruce Trilogy".

"Robert the Bruce: The Steps to the Empty Throne"

"First published in 1969 by Hodder & Stoughton."

Set during the period 1296-1306, this book follows the life of Robert, Earl of Carrick as he begins to understand his destiny. It begins with John I of Scotland (John Balliol) humiliated and stripped of his crown by Edward I of England. A shocked witness, Robert Bruce is forced to consider his own loyalties. As Scotland suffers an English invasion and occupation, Bruce begins his struggle to establish a new order in Scotland. There are collaborations, and clashes of vision, with his contemporary William Wallace, alliances and friendships with, amongst others, James Douglas and William de Lamberton, and deadly rivalry with John Comyn. Bruce and Comyn's argument in Greyfriars Church, which resulted in Comyn's death, causes Bruce to be hastily crowned King of Scotland. The story ends with his loss at the Battle of Methven, and escape.

By telling the story from Bruce's point-of-view, Tranter shows clearly how Scotland's turbulent politics and Bruce's own mixed loyalties informed his actions, providing credible motives for his apparent 'switching sides' (as he had supported Edward I at one time) and murder of Comyn.

For further historical detail see: Wars of Scottish Independence;
First War of Scottish Independence.

"Robert the Bruce: The Path of the Hero King"

"First published in 1970 by Hodder & Stoughton."

1306-1314

"Robert the Bruce: The Price of the King's Peace"

"First published in 1971 by Hodder & Stoughton."

1314-1329

The Bruce Legacy (1329-1406)

"Flowers of Chivalry"

"First published in 1987"

Set during 1332-1342, this considers Scotland in the aftermath of Bruce's death under the reign of his son David II, focussing on the tale of
Alexander Ramsay and William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale.

"Courting Favour"

"First published in 2000"

Set during 1369-1391, during the reigns of David II and Robert II, the story follows John Dunbar, 4th Earl of Moray.

tewart trilogy

Originally comprising three books, it has since been published as one volume.

"Lords of Misrule"

"First published in 1976"

1388-1390 - from the Battle of Otterburn to the coronation of Robert III of Scotland.

"A Folly of Princes"

"First published in 1977"1396-1402 - from the Battle of the Clans to the death of David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay.

"The Captive Crown"

"First published in 1977"1402-1411 - following directly from "Folly of Princes" and ending with the Battle of Harlaw.

"The End of the Line"

The Jameses (1406-1542)

"Lion Let Loose"

"First published in 1967"

1403-1437 James I

"The Lion's Whelp"

"First published in 1997"

Set between 1437-1460, during the reign of James II, the book describes the boy-king's time under regents Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Douglas, Lord Crichton, and Sir Alexander Livingston, and the plot to kill William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas at the "Black Dinner", through the eyes of Alexander Lyon, Master and then 2nd Lord of Glamis. The book ends with the death of James.

"Black Douglas"

"First published in 1968"

Set 1448-1452, thsi book covers in detail some of the aspects of the reign of James II, and the fall of the Black Douglases. It features William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas, who restored the power of the Earls of Douglas following the murder of his predecessor, the 6th earl. The book ends with William's murder at the hands of James II himself, in Stirling Castle.

"Price of a Princess"

"First published in 1994"

Set 1466-1469, the book follows Princess Mary Stewart, sister of James III, and her first husband Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran.

"Lord in Waiting"

1474-? Mary Stewart

"The Admiral"

First published in 2001 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 2001.

The story of Sir Andrew Wood of Largo, sea-captain under James III, James IV and the infant James V.

"Chain of Destiny"

"First published in 1964"

1488-1513 James IV

"A Flame for the Fire"

"First published in 1998"

1494-1513 James IV, his mistress Janet Kennedy, and her brother David Kennedy, 1st Earl of Cassilis

"A Stake in the Kingdom"

"First published in 1966".

1513-1546 James V and Cardinal David Beaton

James V trilogy

"The Riven Realm"

"First published in 1984"

Set 1513-1524, focusses on James V of Scotland and Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount.

"James by the Grace of God"

"First published 1985"

1524-1537

"Rough Wooing"

"First published 1986"

1537-1550

Mary and James VI (1513-1603)

"The Marchman"

1542-1563

"Warden of the Queen's March"

1561-1568

"The Queen's Grace"

1562

"A Rage of Regents"

1568-1587

"Right Royal Friend"

Master of Gray trilogy

"Lord and Master"

1574-1587

"The Courtesan"

1587-1592

"Past Master"

1592-1603

"Children of the Mist"