Tales of My Landlord

The first volume in Scott's "Tales of my Landlord", "The Black Dwarf" is set right after the Union between England and Scotland in 1707. "The Black Dwarf" focuses on the character of Sir Edward Mauley, who plots his revenge from his prison cell. It is a tale of romance, intrigue and violence set against the backdrop of a divided nation, which deftly weaves mythical occurrences and supernatural elements throughout. The story is a portrait of the anti-social and at times hopelessly romantic behaviour of its characters. With political intrigue, conspiracies, ever changing loyalties, and marriage misadventures, "The Black Dwarf" is a sympathetic, though at times violent book that definitely deserves a place in your collection of classics. For the forlorn 'Game of Thrones' fans out there, this wonderful blend of mystery, intrigue, magic and the supernatural will certainly help tide you over till the next epic on-screen craze.

The story is set just after the Union of Scotland and England, in the Liddesdale hills of the Scottish Borders, familiar to Scott from his work collecting ballads for The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. The main character is based on David Ritchie, whom Scott met in the autumn of 1797. In the tale, the dwarf is Sir Edward Mauley, a hermit regarded by the locals as being in league with the Devil, who becomes embroiled in a complex tale of love, revenge, betrayal, Jacobite schemes and a threatened forced marriage. Scott began the novel well, 'but tired of the ground I had trode so often before… I quarrelled with my story, & bungled up a conclusion.'

Even in peace the scars of war remain. "The Tale of Old Mortality", from Scott's collection "Tales of my Landlord", provides a window in to a time many of us could hardly imagine. A nation torn and divided, this volume tracks the lives and times of some of Scotland's most iconic names. At first it follows Robert Paterson (not Robert Pattinson of Twilight fame) who travels the nation repairing and maintaining the graves of all those lives lost in rebellion. They fought and died for their beliefs, their conquerors labelling them traitors, condemned them to unmarked earth. We are also introduced to Henry Morton, a young and sharp warrior, idealistic in his spirit and strong in his resolve. His belief in justice might be the end of him, as he is forced down a path where he must forsake his one true love and all those he holds dear. This tale of a nation religiously divided is richly populated with stunning and emotive characters, nail-biting narration and insatiable intrigue.

The remarkable person, called by the title of Old Mortality, was we'll known in Scotland about the end of the last century. His real name was Robert Paterson. He was a native, it is said, of the parish of Closeburn, in Dumfries-shire, and probably a mason by profession-at least educated to the use of the chisel. Whether family dissensions, or the deep and enthusiastic feeling of supposed duty, drove him to leave his dwelling, and adopt the singular mode of life in which he wandered, like a palmer, through Scotland, is not known. It could not be poverty, however, which prompted his journeys, for he never accepted anything beyond the hospitality which was willingly rendered him, and when that was not proffered, he always had money enough to provide for his own humble wants. His personal appearance, and favourite, or rather sole occupation, are accurately described in the preliminary chapter of the following work.

"Old Mortality" is a historical novel by Walter Scott first published in 1816. Set in southwest Scotland during the period 1679-89, it explores the political and religious climate of the time through the eyes of Henry Morton. "Old Mortality" is considered to be one of Scott's best novels, and is highly recommended for fans of English civil war fiction. Many vintage books such as this were becoming increasingly rare or expensive. This volume is now republished in an available, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

First published in 1818, "The Heart of Midlothian" concerns the Porteous Riots in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1736. After the Captain of the City Guards orders his men to fire into a crowd of people, a lynch mob hunts him down and kills him for his actions. It is famous for its graphic and gruesome descriptions of Captain John Porteous's death and is often referred to as Scott's finest novel. Contents include: "The Heart of Mid-Lothian", "Editor's Introduction to The Heart of Mid-Lothian", "Introduction to The Heart of Mid-Lothian-(1830)", "Postscript", "Introductory", "The Heart of Mid-Lothian", "Chapter First", "Chapter Second", "Chapter Third", etc. Many vintage books such as this had been becoming increasingly rare or expensive. This volume is now republished in an available, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

Against the backdrop of the Porteous Riots, one woman must give everything to save her sister. It's 1763, and there's pandemonium on the streets of Edinburgh. Innocent protesters have been gunned down, and an angry mob is baying for the blood. Jeanie Deans is hoping for another form of justice. Her sister, Effie, has been wrongly sentenced to death. And the one thing that can save her is a royal pardon. So Jeanie sets out an epic journey to London to plead Effie's case to the queen. A classic work of historical fiction, "The Heart of Midlothian" is an incisive commentary on the malleable nature of justice. And at its center is one of literature's most appealing and courageous heroines.

The Bride Of Lammermoor, by Sir Walter Scott. The story focuses on the tragic love of Lucy Ashton, and Edgar, the Master of Ravenswood. This is a classic tale that has been loved by many for generations, a great addition to the collection. Any profits generated from the sale of this book will go towards the Freeriver Community project, a project designed to promote harmonious community living and well-being in the world.

In a decrepit, Scottish castle overlooking the sea, Edgar Ravenswood dreams of revenge. Years ago, his father's rival conspired to strip the Ravenswoods of their fortune. But fate is about to play a cruel trick. After a chance encounter, Edgar falls for the beautiful Lucy. Her father is the very man behind his downfall. Can love heal the wounds of the past, or is the romance doomed from the start? Moody and gothic, "The Bride of Lammemoor" is set amidst the upheaval caused by the 1707 Act of Union. But Scott also lightens the atmosphere with satirical depictions of Scottish stereotypes. A great read for fans of the Brontes or Daphne Du Maurier.

"A Legend of Montrose" is part of Scott's "Waverley" series and takes place during the English Civil War in the 1640s. Sir Dugald, one of the protagonists, gets involved into a strange and violent conflict, and through a series of vicissitudes and action-packed situations, manages to escape more serious consequences. The rest of the story revolves around a love triangle and the wars between Scottish clans. Mysterious births, political and personal intrigues, as well as memorable character developments and bizarre revelations – all this makes the novel an entertaining and compelling read for everyone.

"A Legend of Montrose" is a historical novel by Walter Scott first published in 1819. Set in Scotland during the 1640s, it concentrates on a love triangle between Allan M'Aulay, his friend the Earl of Menteith, and Annot Lyle set to the backdrop of the Civil War. Part of the Tales of My Landlord series, itself a subset of the so-called Waverley novels, "A Legend of Montrose" is highly recommended for fans of Scott's work. Many vintage books such as this had been becoming increasingly rare or expensive. This volume is now republished in an available, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

"Castle Dangerous" is the last of Walter Scott's "Waverley" cycle of historical novels. The story takes place shortly after the death of William Wallace in the Scottish War of Independence. Basically a romantic tale, the narrative follows a fair lady and her pledge of marriage. With romantic triangles, mysterious identities, battles, and sword duels, "Castle Dangerous" is a satisfying conclusion to Scott's longish tradition of historical novels. Despite being his "swan song", it still remains a pleasant and highly recommendable read.