BALLAD of the FIVE MARYS

Yestreen the Queen had Four Marys
Tonight she'll hae but three
There was Mary Seton, and Mary Beaton
And Mary Carmichael and me.
from 'Mary Hamilton', The Child Ballads

The Mary Carmichael of the well-known ballad may be a fiction but Marys Seton, Beaton, Livingston and Fleming, together with Mary Stewart, comprised the real five Marys - assertive young women unafraid to question their place in society.

Who was Mary Queen of Scots? Vilified as an adulteress, only to be immortalised as a martyr, where does history become legend?

Why was Mary deposed? Who killed Darnley? Five hundred years after the Battle of Flodden and the birth of John Knox, this new take on Mary's life explores not only the historical events which led to her demise, but the relationships and emotions of an increasingly isolated young woman faced with political and religious upheaval and her country's gradual loss of independence.

Our Sovereign Lady who now Reigns at this Hour, The Mighty Lord be ever her Protector And Make Her Marriage as He thinks Best, That Her Liege may Reign in Peace and RestTHE FORMAN ARMORIAL, C.1562

About the Author

DONALD SMITH is recognised as a leading storyteller in Scotland. Donald is interested in the recovery of local storytelling traditions, in site specific events and story walks, and in working with community and church groups. In addition to his historical novels, Smith has been involved in over fifty plays being a founding Director of the National Theatre of Scotland and the first Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre based in Edinburgh.

Reviews

There's an old publishing belief that books about Mary Queen of Scots always sell. Smith's certainly deserves to do so. He finds his way through the maze of 16th century Scottish politics dexterously and persuasively. ALLAN MASSIE, THE SCOTSMAN

Book Information
ISBN 9781910021149
Author Donald Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Luath Press Ltd
Publisher Luath Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 240g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 127mm * 20mm