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Rob Roy Macgregor
The romantic figure of Rob Roy looms large in the annals of Scottish history in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Sir Walter Scott's characterisation of him helped create an almost Robin Hood-like figure who rode with his band of Gregorach through Central Scotland forever pressing King William's troops and allies to the limit. He was regarded by many as nothing less than a freedom fighter but by others as a thief, a blackmailer and even as a coward. But much of what he did has been misunderstood.
That he was a Highland Gentleman is not in doubt. Born in 1671, the second son of Colonel Donald MacGregor of Glengyle who was imprisoned after the failure of the 1689 rising, he did indeed rise by the age of 20 to command the respect of his clansmen; but the feared Gregorach were, in effect, master racketeers who ran an immense 'mail' operation throughout cattle-rich central Scotland. Without due payment to Rob Roy, a gentleman's herds could 'disappear' under new ownership as the clan stealthily swooped to capture them by moonlight.
That this actually served to keep the peace in a lawless land is usually ignored while the benefit to the purses of Clan MacGregor is never doubted.
His refusal to join the fray at Sheriffmuir is similarly held against him. He had good reason not to, as Tranter eloquently explains in this book. Furthermore, his clandestine dealings in the political espionage of the day did much to further the Jacobite cause when many were removing themselves from it.
Rob Roy's life and times are now the subject of a major motion picture from United Artists starring Liam Neeson and in this entertaining and accessible book master-storyteller Nigel Tranter lays bare Rob Roy's life and reveals the true stature of this legendary rogue.
That he was a Highland Gentleman is not in doubt. Born in 1671, the second son of Colonel Donald MacGregor of Glengyle who was imprisoned after the failure of the 1689 rising, he did indeed rise by the age of 20 to command the respect of his clansmen; but the feared Gregorach were, in effect, master racketeers who ran an immense 'mail' operation throughout cattle-rich central Scotland. Without due payment to Rob Roy, a gentleman's herds could 'disappear' under new ownership as the clan stealthily swooped to capture them by moonlight.
That this actually served to keep the peace in a lawless land is usually ignored while the benefit to the purses of Clan MacGregor is never doubted.
His refusal to join the fray at Sheriffmuir is similarly held against him. He had good reason not to, as Tranter eloquently explains in this book. Furthermore, his clandestine dealings in the political espionage of the day did much to further the Jacobite cause when many were removing themselves from it.
Rob Roy's life and times are now the subject of a major motion picture from United Artists starring Liam Neeson and in this entertaining and accessible book master-storyteller Nigel Tranter lays bare Rob Roy's life and reveals the true stature of this legendary rogue.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1965
About the author
Nigel Tranter
148 books130 followersNigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 10, 2019
The opening chapter reads like narrative fiction, and I mean that in a good way because the author immerses you in Rob Roy's harsh and adventurous way of life as an outlaw and freebooter in the highlands of Scotland. What I liked best about this book: 1)The bio itself is 189 pgs., which means the author only focuses on the most notable parts of Rob's life, and 2)Tranter isn't afraid to challenge erroneous assumptions of previous writers and historians. At several points he re-examines Rob's actions, often providing fascinating insights into Rob's decisions during several Jacobite uprisings.
I'd recommend this for both people who know nothing about Rob Roy and for history buffs alike. Very readable, entertaining, and offers some good insights. Whenever the author delves into the realm of intelligent speculation or guesswork, he's upfront and honest about it.
I'd recommend this for both people who know nothing about Rob Roy and for history buffs alike. Very readable, entertaining, and offers some good insights. Whenever the author delves into the realm of intelligent speculation or guesswork, he's upfront and honest about it.
March 19, 2012
Great read--typical of the Scottish story, though.
September 17, 2023
Quite the simple read; I've read similar stuff in high school. Yet it does present the legendary outlaw in a realistic light not seen in the Disney 1953 or the MGM 1995 flicks (although I think he's such a little-known character that few viewers would be able to tell how true to life they were or weren't). Here he is both a respected laird, Scottish gang lord, and good tactician. Well, it was interesting (once). Reading it and having read several Tranter novels, I can catch here his penchant for describing his native country; beware lest you decide to book a ticket and a bonny travel agent!
October 28, 2020
More factual than the usual Tranter offerings, not historical fiction, which he does so well. Great book if you want to get the real story of Rob Roy MacGregor.
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April 13, 2013Interesting read about the life and legend of Rob Roy. Historic non-fiction is not exactly my thing so although this was a short book it went rather slowly.
April 14, 2014
This was a good quick read. Well researched bio of Rob Roy and also great insight into the 1715 Jacobite uprising and aftermath.
April 1, 2020
My grandfather traced his Scottish lineage to the MacGregor/Fletcher clan and I have yet to fully learn about the Scottish side of my family roots.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews