Kenneth

by Nigel Tranter

Norse-Slayer and nation-builder, Kenneth, son of Alpin mac Eochaidh, Kingof Galloway, was the visionary who brought together the ancient kingdomsof Alba, Dalriada, Strathclyde and Galloway to create the country ofScotland.Yet his vision was wider still. He dreamed of a great coming together ofall the Celtic people, Scots, Irish, Welsh, Cornish and Manx, unitedagainst the Norse and the Anglo-Saxon invaders.Fighting not only his country's enemies but also the fractious,obstinate wilfulness of his own people, his legacy was a nation, withits own patron saint, the apostle Andrew, that would endure from theninth century to the present day.A gripping historical novel about the origins of Scotland by NigelTranter, master of Scottish historical fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland, Historical, Fiction

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Nigel 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.

Reviews

[Peter Abraham · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have been long fascinated by kenneth macalpin and his uniting of the celtic people to fight the common enemy and in particular of dunadd which, although not much remains, has a magical grasp over me. As there seems to be little, and often repeated, info when searching google i found it irrisitable in reading nigel tranters take on kenneth. however, maybe im just spoiled by some great modern historical fiction writers but i found this book a hard read. first of all Nigel seems to spend a lot of the book describing routes that kenneth may of taken through scenic places where your thought seemed to frequently wonder to more interesting places like last nights dinner. secondly he seemed to be a bit vague at times over kenneths acievements. thirdly i didnt really feel any characterisation with any of the main charactors. i have been recommended nigels "bruce" trilogy but i feel that this may of put me off. 3 stars for being a well researched account of how king kenneths life may of panned out.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Tranter

As all of Nigel Tranter's books, this is a splendid primer on Scottish geography, an engaging travelogue, an adequate recitation of historical events, and a mediocre story. The landscape of Scotland is the true main character of the book, with the human characters just marching through it acting their part. Not great literature, not even great storytelling, but good enough to be satisfying if the reader already has a dedicated interest in Scottish history. It's better if you read it with a map in hand.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third Tranter novel chronologically (9th Century) and the best I've read of his so far. Kenneth spent his life trying to unite the Celtic people against the Angles, The Saxons, and the Northmen. The balance of battles and politics, with a bit of a love story, makes for a compelling read. Once again, Google maps is a great aid when reading.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book as most of Nigel Tranter's books are. His book's along with this one alwats have great characters with lots of information of Scotland and events that took place....

[Kenneth Lamons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uuuuutg bugging b noggin buildup go hugged😗😙😘😘📢📢📢

[margaret farquhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

One two three four five and four three of the three of us are in the same area as the one in the hotel and the other one is a little different from the one in the hotel and it's a very nice place

[Peter Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hard going. It covered so much ground both literally and metaphorically that it read more like a synopsis rather than a proper story. Maybe his writing just isnt to my taste, disappointing.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to write about this period of Scottish history separating out myth from fact. What Tranter makes clear is how difficult it was for a monarch or his lieutenants to get around Dalriada to meet with their sub-kings and traveling to meet with the Ard Ri or ri of Alba was even more difficult. Trying to keep the Norse at bay by assembling a multi-Celtic force was also quite difficult especially as some of the scattered lords and kings were lukewarm about Kenneth's united Celtic kingdoms project. Kenneth did manage a rather lengthy reign for the time and conditions he lived in. I enjoyed it.

[Andrew Keir · Rating 1 out of 5]

Historically inaccurate and poorly written.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably not totally accurate, but a good read and introduction to the uniting of many small kingdoms into Scotland.

[W. Nicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and convincing portrayal of how Dal Riada might have become united with Alba.