The Ragged Lion
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
A fictional memoir of Sir Walter Scott, written by an acclaimed author and journalist; combines fact and fiction into a unique and fascinating portrait of one of Scotland's greatest writers.
Allan Massie is a Scottish author distinguished by his profound engagement with the distant past. His prolific and varied body of work, including over twenty novels, masterfully intertwines historical themes with a distinctive literary style. Massie's writing is lauded for its insightful exploration of human nature and historical events.







A fictional memoir of Sir Walter Scott, written by an acclaimed author and journalist; combines fact and fiction into a unique and fascinating portrait of one of Scotland's greatest writers.
The fourth and final chapter of the 'Bordeaux' novels, Allan Massie's acclaimed crime series featuring Superintendent Lannes.
The third instalment in Allan Massie's acclaimed crime series continues the story of dogged detection in a world seemingly gone mad.
Regular readers of the Spectator will need no introduction to these seductive literary musings from one of Great Britain's finest literary minds, in the famous 'back-end' of that most prestigious publication.
The legacy of World War II's crimes and betrayals haunts the next generation, creating a struggle to reconcile with a past they did not experience. Allan Massie delves into this intricate emotional landscape, skillfully examining the complexities of memory, guilt, and the impact of history on personal identity. Through rich storytelling, he invites readers to reflect on how the shadows of the past influence contemporary lives.
There are days, even in the bad times, even the worst, when you can still believe in the future, like that six o'clock in the morning three weeks ago when the bell rang and Dominique was there. Dominique, pale, wretchedly thin, exhausted, his hair cropped, but nevertheless Dominique. Lannes held him in his arms, neither able for a moment to speak.
"Compelling...A masterly feat...A magnificent, sweeping, authoritative, warm yet wry history." --The Wall Street Journal In this fascinating and intimate portrait of the Stuarts, author Allan Massie takes us deep into one of history's bloodiest and most tumultuous reigns. Exploring the family's lineage from the first Stuart king to the last, The Royal Stuarts is a panoramic history of the family that acted as a major player in the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Union of the Crowns, the English Civil War, the Restoration, and more. Drawing on the accounts of historians past and present, novels, and plays, this is the complete story of the Stuart family, documenting their path from the salt marshes of Brittany to the thrones of Scotland and England and eventually to exile. The Royal Stuarts brings to life figures like Mary, Queens of Scots, Charles I, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, uncovering a family of strong affections and fierce rivalries. Told with panache, this is the gripping true story of backstabbing, betrayal, and ambition gone awry.
Death in Bordeaux is the first in a trilogy that will take Lannes through the war and up to the grisly, but inevitable purge of those found guilty of German collaboration. However, this is also a novel that explores the moral complexity of France's time of trial, and the reasons why it has taken its people so long to emerge from the shadow of war.
An award-winning thriller that stands out in the Canongate Classics series, this book offers a gripping narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. It explores complex themes and features well-developed characters that draw readers into a thrilling journey. The story promises unexpected twists and a captivating plot that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Was Lucien de Balafre a patriot who served his country as best he could in difficult times, or a treacherous collaborator in the Vichy government? This book explores the ties between fathers and sons and the pains of love and duty in a period of European history that is still characterised by wilful denial and hatred.