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Marmion   By: (1771-1832)

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Marmion by Walter Scott is a masterful tale of love, chivalry, and war set against the backdrop of medieval Scotland. This historical romance is a captivating blend of factual events and fictional storytelling, blending the best of both worlds to create an unforgettable literary experience.

Scott's vivid descriptions transport readers to a bygone era, immersing them in the grandeur and tumultuousness of medieval times. The author's attention to detail is commendable, with richly drawn characters and intricately woven plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The pages are brimming with beautiful landscapes, hearty battle scenes, and intricate court politics, making it easy to envision oneself amid the action.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Marmion is Scott's ability to evoke a range of emotions. From the exhilaration of the jousting tournaments to the heart-wrenching tragedies that befall the characters, the book traverses the full spectrum of human experience. Love, passion, betrayal, and redemption are explored through well-developed characters, each with their own motives and desires. It is impossible not to become deeply invested in their fates.

The language and prose in Marmion are a testament to Scott's literary prowess. His use of poetic verses, interspersed throughout the narrative, adds an additional layer of beauty and depth to the storytelling. This melodic quality of the writing makes reading the book a truly pleasurable experience, as if one is being serenaded by the words on the page.

However, it is worth noting that the pacing of the novel can at times be slow, which may discourage some readers who prefer a faster tempo. While the story unfurls gradually, building up to crescendos of action and intrigue, those seeking quick gratification might find themselves craving more rapid developments.

Despite this minor critique, Marmion is a triumph of historical fiction. Walter Scott's meticulous research, combined with his gift for storytelling, have resulted in a timeless work that transports readers to a distant world. Whether you are a lover of history, romance, or epic tales, Marmion is sure to captivate and enchant. Prepare to lose yourself within its pages, as you journey through a medieval Scotland brimming with love, honor, and adventure.

First Page:

MARMION: A TALE OF FLODDEN FIELD edited by Henry Morley

INTRODUCTION.

The "Lay of the Last Minstrel," Scott's first romantic tale, was published in January, 1805, and won for its author his first great success. The writing of "Marmion" was begun in November, 1806. Constable offered as publisher to pay at once a thousand guineas for the copyright, when he heard that the new poem was begun, though he had not yet seen a line of it. Miller and Murray joined, each taking a fourth part of the venture, and John Murray said, "We both view it as honourable, profitable, and glorious to be concerned in the publication of a new poem by Walter Scott." Scott, thirty five years old, had the impulse upon his mind of a preceding great success, took more than usual pains, and thoroughly enjoyed the writing. On pleasant knolls, under trees, and by the banks of Yarrow, many lines were written; and trotting quietly over the hills in later life he said to Lockhart, his son in law, "Oh, man, I had many a grand gallop among these bracs when I was thinking of 'Marmion.'" The description of the battle of Flodden was shaped in the autumn of 1807, when Scott was out practising with the Light Horse Volunteers, which had been formed in prospect of an invasion from France, and of which Scott was quartermaster and secretary... Continue reading book >>




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