Rob Roy (Everyman's Library) Book

The protagonist in the novel Rob Roy is Francis Osbaldistone (an unappealing moniker) not the title character! The famous criminal, he was a cattle thief has been written about many times before but who has ever heard of this man , ( makes a better name, Rob Roy too). Francis a spoiled son of a rich London businessman, who would rather write poetry than work for his father, lets say he is kind of indolent; no doubt, he was learning in France not about his merchant father's business but writing verses which angered the elder Mr. Osbaldstone. Sent to his uncle's estate as punishment in northern England bordering simmering Scotland that nation is always that.He soon becomes involved in a feud with his cousin the treacherous Rashleigh (youngest and smartest of six brothers) no family love between the two, only relatives could hate this deeply and for so long . A woman, beautiful Diana is quite a prize , the main reason (isn't it always in these books) this makes the situation more interesting, conflicts cause tension which brings a certain degree of curiosity to the gripping narrative.This being the long ago year 1715, a revolt soon brakes out, the brutal Jacobite uprising, Rashleigh steals important papers from Francis's trusting father, (he took over our hero's job) if they aren't recovered, the family will be ruined the usual plot device, still works even today . Osbaldistone finally wakes up and seeks the help of Rob Roy,(remember him?) he is a notorious outlaw. The bloody (the English love that word) conclusion occurs at the ancient Osbaldistone Hall. Sir Walter Scott a very sophisticated, intelligent, underappreciated man once the most popular writer in the world deserves a new renaissance, his books should be read and they will be enjoyed...I did.