Macbeth - The Real Story Aug 7, 2009
by saltyseaman
For anyone with the remotest interest in Scottish history, this is a "must read".
Nigel Tranter, using historical documents as a basis, weaves a compelling tale of fate, destiny, war and love which revolves around Macbeth and Princess Gruoch, the lady known to the post-Shakespean world as Lady Macbeth.
In stark contrast to the well-known picture of Macbeth as a devious and unscrupulous murderer, in this tale, the character of Macbeth as a man of high ideals, a man of peace but willing to fight for what he believes in, comes through clearly. Other characters leap off the page as easily as do Macbeth and Gruoch. Malcolm the Second, King of Scots, a violent man with a streak of pragmatism; Duncan, his murderous grandson and the irrepressible and larger-than-life Thorfinn, Viking Earl of Orkney.
The story starts with the young Macbeth as mormaor (or earl) of Ross and traces the developments that lead him to the throne of Scotland. Giving shelter to Gruoch after her husband is murdered by Malcolm, fighting for Malcolm against King Canute of Denmark, being acclaimed king and trying to keep the kingdom of Scotland united and strong in the face of armies from without and traitors from within.
Tranter has given Macbeth a voice, a presence, a dignity denied him by later writers.
Buy and enjoy.
