Customer Reviews

Black Douglas

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Scotland from the view of the Douglas. Here we see life through William Douglas Eldest of 5 sons of James the Gross, 7th Earl of Douglas. Will becomes the 8th and brings back the Douglas family to its formal power and glory only to be seen as a threat to the throne and ultimately to James II who begins as his friend and ends as an enemy. Will is thrust into a loveless marriage by duty but unites former Galloway lands to his own and builds the bulwark of the new Douglas strength. We see him hone his political skills by dealing with the Livingstone and Crichton rivalry over a child monarch. Will seems to be more melancholy and under the cloud of duty never living life. His only joy is Meg Douglas, his mistress and friend. This was a good read and true Tranter. He gives us a view this time from other than the crown or their guardian. Maybe Douglas should have went for the crown instead of being a loyal King's man for all it did him. A dark tragedy, indeed.

The sad story of an Earl of Douglas. Under his father and previous rulers the Douglas holdings and Galloway had fallen into disrepair.

When Will Douglas becomes the Earl his political and military ability, and early friendship with the king enable him to start to rectify the situation.

He grows too successful, and jealousies happen.