Publisher's Synopsis
Old Mortality is a historical novel written by Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish novelist and poet. The novel is set in the mid-17th century, during the period of religious conflict in Scotland known as the Covenanting period. The story follows the life of Henry Morton, a young man who is caught up in the conflict between the Covenanters and the Royalists.The novel is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on Morton's involvement with the Covenanters and his love for Edith Bellenden, a young woman from a Royalist family. The second part deals with Morton's disillusionment with the Covenanting cause and his eventual reconciliation with Edith.Throughout the novel, Scott explores themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal. He also provides a vivid portrayal of the social and political landscape of Scotland during the Covenanting period.Old Mortality is considered one of Scott's most important works and is widely regarded as a classic of Scottish literature. It is a compelling and engaging read that offers a fascinating glimpse into a turbulent period of Scottish history.1905. Sir Walter Scott was a master of diverse talents. He was a man of letters, a dedicated historian and historiographer, a well-read translator of foreign texts, and a talented poet. Deriving most of his material from his native Scotland, its history and its legends, Scott invented and mastered what we know today as the historical novel. The novel is set in 1679 and concerns the military campaign waged by John Graham of Claverhouse's government forces against a Covenanting army. The hero is Henry Morton of Milnwood, a moderate Presbyterian, who is arrested by Claverhouse's troops for harboring John Burley of Balfour, a Covenanting friend of his father. Unknown to Morton, Burley has participated in the murder of Archbishop Sharpe of St. Andrews (hated by the Covenanters for deserting their cause and aiding the restoration of Episcopalianism), the event which triggered the uprising. Morton is sentenced to death but is saved through the intervention of Lord Evandale, his friend and rival for the hand of Edith Bellenden. See the many other works by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
