Monday, June 10, 2019

Books: The Black Douglas

Sir James Douglas (also known as Good Sir James and the Black Douglas) (c. 1286 – 25 August 1330) was a Scottish knight and feudal lord. He was one of the chief commanders during the Wars of Scottish Independence. He is famed for being tasked to take the casket with the heart of Robert the Bruce to Jerusalem for burial.


Here is just a selection of books about Sir James and The Douglas Clan.

The Spider and the Stone: A Novel of Scotland's Black Douglas by Glen Craney
Here is the story of the remarkable events following the execution of William Wallace of Braveheart fame. Set during the Bruce wars of independence, The Spider and the Stone is the unforgettable saga of the star-crossed love, religious intrigue, fierce friendship in arms, and heroic sacrifice that preserved Scotland's freedom during its time of greatest peril. 

The Black Douglas Trilogy by JR Tomlin
Image result for books black douglases
The year is 1300. James Douglas is a Scottish youth sent to France by his noble father to escape being taken hostage by the English. When word comes that his father has died in the Tower of London, he is hurled into the war between Scotland and England. Catapulted into an intrigue of rival factions and clashing armies that threatens Scotland, his own lands, and his life, he joins the newly crowned Robert the Bruce in a desperate, seemingly hopeless struggle. Thus begins a story of bravery and determination that has echoed through the ages. (A Kingdom's Cost; Countenance of War; Not For Glory)

James the Good: The Black Douglas by David R Ross
Sir James the Good, one of the finest soldiers Scotland ever produced, is sometimes better known by the name given to him by the English - the 'Black Douglas'. He terrified the northern shires of England throughout the reign of King Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence. When Robert the Bruce died Sir James, as his champion, was entrusted with his heart which he carried on the Crusades. David R Ross brings history alive as he tells the story of Sir James' life. Ross' research found him retracing Sir James' journey to the Holy Land and rediscovering battle grounds, providing a personal view of history. With a refreshing look at the subject, and featuring all new information and research, interesting maps, battleplans and photographs, this book will make Scottish history accessible and understandable for the casual reader, while delighting history buffs.

A Douglas! A Douglas! by P M Kane
An inspiring novel based on the true story of Sir James Douglas, a gallant and fearless Scottish knight of medieval times, who devoted his entire life to the freedom and liberty of his nation. His life was one of constant warfare in a lawless land, a life where brother fought with brother, family with family and nation with nation. These were times when the strong ruled the land and the weak were forced to submit or face instant death. He sought out the one common enemy and became obsessed with its destruction. He lived and died for his cause. He gave up his life while fulfilling the dying wish of his beloved King. His final mission was to carry the brave heart of King Robert the Bruce into battle. His enemies called him 'The Black Douglas.' His nation remembers him as, the Good Sir James Douglas.

Image result for books black douglasesAnd a little later .....

The Black Douglas by Nigel Tranter

The turbulent tale of the 15th century feud between the Douglas family and the Stewarts during the reign of James II King of Scots.  It was almost inevitable that in the 15th century the new Scots royal house of Stewart would have to come to a reckoning with the great house of Douglas.  Young Will Douglas, the eight earl, was born to vast power, influence - and trouble. And with the boy-king James II on an uneasy throne, and scoundrels ruling Scotland, the death of Will's father plunged him suddenly into a world where might prevailed and the end justified the means.

further reading:
* The History of the House and Race of Douglas and Angus by David Hume
* History of the Black Douglas, with an account of the battle of Otterburn by Sir James Douglas
* The Black Douglas by IM Davis
* The Broken Cross: A Legend of Douglas, with Chronicles of the Black Douglases as an Appendix by Herbert Reid
* Black Douglas by John Brown
* The Black Douglases: War and Lordship in Late Medieval Scotland, 1300-1455 by Michael Brown




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