The Dorothy Dunnett Companion, Volume II

by Elspeth Morrison

Dorothy Dunnett has earned worldwide acclaim for the masterful blending of historical fact and imagination in her two series of novels set in brilliantly reconstructed fifteenth- and sixteenth-century landscapes.

The Dorothy Dunnett Companion II is an encyclopedic resource that completes and expands the reach of the first Companion in documenting the historical and literary riches of Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles and House of Niccolo novels. In this second guide , Elspeth Morrison not only covers the final three Niccolo novels for the first time, but also provides a wealth of additional information about all of the earlier novels and highlights the links between the two now-completed series. Once again, she illuminates the real figures and events and the cultural and literary allusions Dunnett weaves into her works, translating foreign phrases and offering up fascinating background details, from the history of golf and the argot of galley slaves to the uses of puffins and polar bears. Together with the first Companion, The Dorothy Dunnett Companion II provides a complete and essential guide to the world of Lymond and Niccolo.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Reference, Fiction, Historical, Books About Books, 16th Century

464 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2002

Reviews

[jrendocrine at least reading is good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this first many years ago after finishing the Niccolo series - I was so in love with Niccolo that I didn't have any heart left for Lymond - and sped through the series. Now rereading 15 years later I appreciate the careful plotting and the brash and brilliant hero that is Lymond. Very much enjoying it. (Don't worry Niccolo, I will always love you the most.)

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (and the other two companion volumes) was a godsend when I was reading the Niccolo and Lymond series, with plenty of little bits to help untangle the more obscure bits of Lady Dunnett's masterworks. Very much recommended.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential to get the most out of Ms Dunnett's books.

[Slmcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

a supplement to the first Dorothy Dunnett Companion. Includes information that would have been spoilers in the first book.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very helpful in deciphering some of the languages and its notations on historical events and characters.

[Snapperboat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this and the first volume are almost a required adjunct to Lady Dunnett's books. Whilst they aren't stand alone works, they are interesting to browse in and of themselves.

[Mary Mcqueen]

Well, I did not read all of this, but on my re-reading the Lymond Chronicles I did ....being retired.....have time to use this volume to look up sources, translations, and geographic information to elaborate the dense descriptions, quotations, and places in the series.

[Jos Deroo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve read Dunnett’s books and are interested in all her references, pick this up. Lots on Flemish and Scottish history around the 1450-1500. If history doesn’t interest you stay away from this book.

[Dandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful and enlightening reference to the works of Dorothy Dunnett

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

//

[C]

very helpful