Redgauntlet - Walter Scott

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Résumé :
Redgauntlet (1824) is a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, one of the Waverley novels, set primarily in Dumfriesshire, southwest Scotland, in 1765, and described by Magnus Magnusson (a point first made by Andrew Lang) as in a sense, the most autobiographical of Scott's novels. It describes the beginnings of a fictional third Jacobite Rebellion, and includes Wandering Willie's Tale, a famous short story which frequently appears in anthologies. The novel's hero is a young man named Darsie Latimer. Early in the novel he is kidnapped by Hugh Redgauntlet, and taken to a village in Dumfriesshire. Darsie's friend Alan Fairford sets out to rescue him. After much intrigue Darsie discovers that Redgauntlet is his uncle, and he is also reunited with his sister. He also discovers that a number of prominent Jacobites, and Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie or the Young Pretender) himself are staying in the village. Redgauntlet has summoned them all to start a new Jacobite rebellion, and he wants Darsie to join them. However, the Prince is still reeling from the French naval defeats at Quiberon Bay and Lagos, which represented Charles's last realistic chance to recover the British throne for the Stuart dynasty. Furthermore, Redgauntlet discovers that his fellow Jacobites are not as committed as he, and their stated objection is that they suspect the Prince's mistress, Clementina Walkinshaw, of being a spy. During these discussions, General Campbell arrives amongst them to announce that he and the government know what the conspirators are up to. The Prince is allowed to go into exile, and his followers peacefully disperse. Redgauntlet, seeing that the Jacobite cause is now lost, joins the Prince in exile. Darsie is set free having always remained loyal to the current king, and Alan marries Darsie's sister. (wikipedia.org)

Sommaire:
Walter Scott was born on August 15, 1771, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was a renowned historical novelist, poet, and legal professional, serving in roles such as advocate, Sheriff-Depute, and Clerk of Session. Scott also served in the British Militia during the French Revolutionary Wars, where he held the rank of Quartermaster. His literary works, particularly his historical novels, helped define the genre and were crucial in the development of Romantic literature. Scott's writing, often focused on Scottish history and culture, resonated with readers and cemented his reputation as a major literary figure. In addition to his literary career, he was married to Charlotte Carpenter. Scott spent his later years at his estate, Abbotsford, in Scotland, where he passed away on September 21, 1832. His contributions to literature, especially through his exploration of history and romance, continue to influence writers and readers today. His legacy endures, celebrated for its depth, storytelling, and portrayal of Scotland s rich heritage....