For Scotland

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 35, 8 March 1935, Page 22

For Scotland

The Story of.Montrose’s ‘Life of Sacrifice "THERE have been stories before of the Eatl of Montrose-but there has never before been a_ story of Montrose’s life which gives such colour and fire to this period of Scottish history as does Margaret Irwin’s latest book, "The Proud Servant." It has become fashionable to drag figures of history from their pedestals, probe them very thoroughly and leave .them looking rather like oddments at a bargain sale. But Miss Irwin, in her story, does nothing to rob the earl of the fine qualities with which time has vested him, She gives him dignity, valour and a certain boyish charm that carry him as.a dominant and lovable figure to the last page of the book, "The Proud Servant" traces the story of Montrose’s life-his private life, his- career and his devotion to Charles the First. The reader is given the picture of his boyhood in Scotland, his prowess at games, his courtsbip of and early marriage to Madalen Carnegie, the shy daughter of one of Scotland’s great figures. It also tells of the strange influence exerted over him by his youngest sister, Kat, who elopes to Italy .when little more

than'a child with her brother-in-law. Montrose follows and, by so doing, misses the King’s coronation in Wdinburgh. When he goes to court on his way home again he is given a Royal cold shoulder, Back in Scotland once more, he finds himself plunged into the discontent that is being caused by the religious differences between England and Scotland. Revolution jis-in the air, and (Continued in Column 8, Page 24.)

(Continued from Page 22.) Montrose, to the surprise of many of his Scottish friends. shows himself loyal to Charles. He joins the King at Oxford, and eventually sacrifices his troops to Charles’s nephew. Rupert. He returns to Scotland disguised as a groom and with only. two friends "to raise Scotland." Here is a book that has its faults. but it is. above anything else, a work in which the characters live and breathe in an atmosphere redolent of the Stuart days. "The Proud Servant.’ Margaret Irwin. Chatto and Windus, Our. copy from the publishers.