The Life and Times of Montrose, Mark Napier, 1840
Biography of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose (1612–1650) who was a Scottish nobleman, poet, and military commander best known for his role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
Initially a Covenanter opposed to King Charles I’s attempts to impose Anglicanism on Scotland, Montrose later switched allegiance and became a key Royalist supporter. Appointed King’s Lieutenant in Scotland, he led a brilliant but ultimately doomed guerrilla campaign from 1644 to 1645, achieving a series of spectacular victories against much larger Covenanting forces, including at Inverlochy, Auldearn, Alford, and Kilsyth.
His fortunes turned after the Royalist defeat at Philiphaugh and the execution of Charles I. After exile in Europe, Montrose returned in 1650 to lead a new Royalist rising on behalf of Charles II but was defeated at Carbisdale, betrayed, captured, and executed in Edinburgh. His death at age 37 was marked by public humiliation, but he was later reburied with honour after the Restoration.
Montrose is remembered both for his military genius and his romantic, tragic loyalty to the monarchy.
The Life and Times of Montrose. illustrated from Original Manuscripts including Family Papers now First Published from the Montrose Charter-Chest and other Private Repositories. By Mark Napier, Esq. Advocate. With Portraits and Autographs.
Published by Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh and Simpkin, Marshall & Co., London. 1840 first edition,
A good hardback with leather spine and corners and cloth covered boards. Leather is rubbed and worn, and cloth is marked and faded in places. Outer joints rubbed. Inner hinges a little weak, but holding.
Text is bright and clean throughout, but with light scattered spotting. Some foxing to plates, with the frontispiece most affected. Marbled edges to text block, although largely faded. Previous owner's signature facing dedication page.
Text in English.
xx + 661pp + 4 Plates of 'Portraits and Autographs' - all present as called for.
Weight: approximately 537g (unpacked).
Dimensions:
Approximately 191mm tall x 127mm wide x 43mm deep.