Historical novel set in Kirkcudbrightshire in 1307. From the 1832 Introduction: "The incidents on which the ensuing Novel mainly turns, are derived from
the ancient Metrical Chronicle of "The Brace," by Archdeacon Barbour,
and from the "History of the Houses of Douglas and Angus," by David
Hume of Godscroft; and are sustained by the immemorial tradition of the
western parts of Scotland. They are so much in consonance with the
spirit and manners of the troubled age to which they are referred, that
I can see no reason for doubting their being founded in fact; the names,
indeed, of numberless localities in the vicinity of Douglas Castle,
appear to attest, beyond suspicion, many even of the smallest
circumstances embraced in the story of Godscroft." According to Wikipedia: "Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet (1771 1832) was a prolific Scottish historical novelist and poet popular throughout Europe during his time. In some ways Scott was the first English-language author to have a truly international career in his lifetime, with many contemporary readers all over Europe, Australia, and North America. His novels and poetry are still read, and many of his works remain classics of both English-language literature and of Scottish literature. Famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of The Lake, Waverley, The Heart of Midlothian and The Bride of Lammermoor."