Robert Louis Stevenson and His World

 David Daiches provided a very interesting biography of Robert Louis Stevenson interweaving his family, travels and the Scottish inspiration for much of his writing.  I was not aware of the long-term relationship R.L.S. had with Henry James.  I am now motivated to read more books by Robert Louis Stevenson.

The Pirate by Sir Walter Scott

 The Pirate is set in the latter part of the 17th century.  This time period has been the focus of a dozen books I have read in the past year in order to become better acquainted with the highly active political struggles.  This novel was a bit different because the volatile Catholic/Protestant conflicts were entirely absent.  I found it interesting that the residents of the northern islands had a more peaceful Catholic/Pagan coexistence.

Scott was only familiar with the Orkney and Shetland islands because of a tour he took several years earlier.  His main character was loosely based on a pirate he encountered in his studies of that particular trade in the northern islands.

I enjoyed this book and plan on a whisky tasting/murder mystery dinner with single malts from Orkney.  Let me know if you would like an invite. 

Old Mortality

 Old Mortality relates the politics, heroes and events during the late 17th century centering on the Battle of Bothwell Bridge.  James Graham of Claverhouse appears to be a complex character with more religious tolerance than those around him.  The fanaticism of supporting characters made political progress a bit cumbersome.  

Killiecrankie is one of my favorite tunes and the Blair Atholl is very scenic and worth a visit.

Scott painted a vivid portrait of the historical characters and events.  I highly recommend this book as one of Scott's best.

The Black Dwarf

 The Scots language slowed down the read but this I expected.  The character was another one of the large highlanders (short, yes, but very strong) but not as interesting as the children of the mist.  About the only part of the story I found interesting was the show of strength.  I think Scott could have done more with this story if he took the time.  Unfortunately, I cannot rate this well as much as I admire Scott.

A Legend of Montrose

 2020 was a year for reading books that would expand my understanding of 17th century Scotland.  I chose to start 2021 with another Sir Walter Scott Novel set in the same time period with Montrose in the center.  I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative describing the battle where The Great Montrose faced Argyll.  I also enjoyed Annot Lyle as a female thread throughout the novel.  A Legend of Montrose is one of the shorter novels and not as well received as its predecessor, The Bride of Lammermoor.  However, I do recommend reading this novel.

Ivanhoe

 Sir Walter Scott wrote Ivanhoe in 1819 and continues to be highly popular.  I read this in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Did anyone have a problem reading this novel?

I only ask because I just watched a you tube video by someone who published an edited version which eliminated all the extraneous material making it much shorter.

I guess I will have to reread this to see if this was necessary.  

The length of a novel has not necessarily been a deterrent for me.  I recall reading The Prince of India by Lew Wallace.  I loved this two-volume 1,000 page adventure and preferred it to his more popular publication of Ben-Hur.  When I finished, I decided I would like a shorter novel.  My sister recommended The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.  

After this "shorter" read which I enjoyed,  I thought I would try The Count of Monte Cristo. It was only 600 pages so I whipped through it and had great fun.  However, I was very disappointed when I discovered the 600 page version was pretty much the Reader's Digest version.  

I guess I will have to reread The Count of Monte Cristo after I reread Ivanhoe.

Any suggestions for a short novel?

Peveril of the Peak

 This was a favorite of Queen Victoria's husband but I chose to read it at this time because of my current focus on 17th century Scotland.  Definitely one of Scott's more readable novels.  Just one more of the works that demonstrates the results of a lack of religious tolerance.  Is all this what Christianity is all about.  
Loved the scenes involving King Charles II.  Loved one more of Scott's happy endings.  Loved the strength of another one of Scott's female characters.
Once more I reflect on those who have blamed Scott for the Civil War in America because he promoted chivalry and the plantation owners in the South found this inspiring.  I find nothing objectionable in chivalry and if the South misused this principle, it is not the fault of Scott.  Otherwise Jesus Christ would be responsible for not only the 17th century British Civil War but also the Spanish Inquisition.