Old Mortality

by Sir Walter Scott
Old Mortality cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £13.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6923
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781522777779
  • Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Published: 2015-12-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Sir Walter Scott's 'Old Mortality' is a historical novel that delves into the tumultuous period of 1679-89 in southwest Scotland. The story is part of Scott's 'Tales of My Landlord' series and is considered one of his finest works. The narrative is framed by an introduction from the fictional editor Jedediah Cleishbotham, who recounts his meetings with Robert Paterson, an 18th-century Scotsman who dedicated his later years to re-engraving the tombs of 17th-century Covenanter martyrs. This unique premise sets the stage for a rich exploration of historical events and personal anecdotes./n/nThe novel is not just a historical account but also a character study, focusing on Paterson's life and the stories he collected. Scott's detailed descriptions and the unbiased presentation of events make 'Old Mortality' a compelling read. The novel's setting and themes provide a vivid portrait of a pivotal time in Scottish history, making it a significant work in the genre of historical fiction.

Reviews
FictionFan's Book Reviews · 2024-09-09
engaging 3.80

The book alternates between intense battle scenes and detailed historical context, making it a rich but sometimes overwhelming read. The protagonist's journey is compelling, though the pacing can feel uneven.

This review highlights the dual focus of the book on both battle scenes and historical background, which creates a vivid but sometimes dense narrative. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the historical context but notes that the frequent shifts between action and exposition can be jarring. The protagonist's development is praised, but the pacing issues make it a challenging read at times. Overall, it's a book that rewards patience with its rich detail and engaging story.

Quick quotes

    The book alternates between long passages of battle scenes, complete with gore and death of men and horses.

    The protagonist's journey is compelling, though the pacing can feel uneven.

    The detailed historical context enriches the narrative but can sometimes overwhelm the reader.

Scotiana · 2023-03-31
great 4.00

Considered one of Scott's greatest novels, it offers a deep dive into historical events and characters. The narrative is engaging but requires some background knowledge to fully appreciate.

This reviewer considers Old Mortality one of Scott's finest works, praising its rich historical detail and well-crafted characters. They note that the book benefits from a reader's familiarity with the historical context, which enhances the overall experience. The narrative is engaging and well-paced, making it a rewarding read for those interested in historical fiction. However, the depth of historical references might be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the period.

Quick quotes

    Generally considered as one of his greatest novels.

    The narrative is engaging and well-paced.

    The depth of historical references might be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the period.

Fiddlrts Blogspot · 2019-10-01
timeless 4.20

Scott's modern sensibilities shine through in this historical novel, making it a timeless read. The writing style is engaging, though some might find it dense.

This reviewer appreciates Scott's modern sensibilities, which make Old Mortality a timeless read. The writing style is engaging and well-crafted, though the density of the narrative might be a hurdle for some readers. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling exploration of historical events and characters, with a narrative that feels both timeless and relevant. The depth of the historical context is praised, but the complexity of the writing might require a more attentive read.

Quick quotes

    Scott is delightfully modern in sensibility.

    The writing style is engaging, though some might find it dense.

    The depth of the historical context is praised, but the complexity of the writing might require a more attentive read.

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