The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett
A Six-Part Masterpiece by the Scottish Queen of Historical Fiction
Mar 11, 2009
The six-volume Lymond Chronicles is one of two ambitious series written by Dorothy Dunnett, the Scottish author once called “the finest living writer of historical fiction” by Washington Post Book World. Dunnett, who died in 2001, also penned the eight-part House of Niccolò series (set earlier but written later than the Lymond books), a stand-alone novel about Macbeth, and seven mystery novels.
Dunnett’s writing is challenging and dense, filled with obscure references and multilingual quotations. Her first book, The Game of Kings, is one the most difficult, and many readers give up within a few dozen pages. Those who stay with Dunnett will find the rewards great as the characters and plot gradually become clearer. Dunnett’s historical accuracy, vivid characterizations, and dramatic skill have won her legions of impassioned fans.
At first glace, the Lymond Chronicles might appear to be primarily an adventure series. However, though the books are filled with swashbuckling action and high romance, at their core they are the story of a tortured genius, whose self-loathing and personal moral code lead him to commit appalling acts whose reasons only become comprehensible much later in the story.
The Tormented Anti-Hero: Francis Crawford of Lymond
The Lymond Chronicles tell the story of Francis Crawford of Lymond, the younger son of a noble Scottish family. Lymond’s path through life is anything but ordinary: over the course of the six books, he is at various times outlaw, mercenary, spy, trickster, diplomat, and general. His adventures take him across 16th-century Europe as he battles assassins, traitors, enemy armies, political foes, and his own demons.
A brilliant actor, linguist, musician, fighter, strategist, and leader, Lymond is prodigiously gifted and charismatic, but his flaws are equally outsize. Sharp-tongued, arrogant, self-contained, and frequently infuriating, he is hard on those care about him and more than a little self-destructive. It's these imperfections, together with Lymond's intelligence, energy, and the sheer force of his personality, that make him such a compelling character.
Those who succumb to Lymond’s – and Dunnett’s – charms will most likely want to read all six books straight through. Because the later books refer back to events and characters from the earlier volumes, it's best to read the series in chronological order.
The Books of the Lymond Chronicles
- The Game of Kings: Francis Crawford of Lymond returns to Scotland after five years in exile. As a mercenary and outlaw, Lymond leads a band of men to fight the invading English, various Scots factions, and even his own brother. As the story unfolds, Lymond’s purpose in returning to Scotland and the events that led to his exile are revealed. (Vintage Books, 1997. Originally published in 1961. ISBN: 978-0679777434)
- Queen's Play: Now back in his country’s good graces, Lymond travels to the French court of Henri II on a spying mission for Mary de Guise, Queen Mother of Scotland. In disguise, Lymond infiltrates the court with an aim of protecting the young Mary Queen of Scots from assassination. Despite his brilliance, Lymond’s own excesses almost spell the ruin of his mission and his life. (Vintage Books, 1997. Originally published in 1964. ISBN: 978-0679777441)
- The Disorderly Knights: Sent to Malta to warn the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St. John of an impending Turkish attack, Lymond becomes embroiled not only in the war against the forces of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent but also in the internal struggles of the Order. The evil he encounters on Malta follows him back to Scotland, where it threatens Lymond’s dreams for his country, as well as his own future. (Vintage Books, 1997. Originally published in 1966. ISBN: 978-0679777458)
- Pawn in Frankincense: In pursuit of his illegitimate child and his own most ruthless enemy, Lymond travels to the Ottoman Empire, where he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of murder, treason, and unspeakable evil, ultimately coming face-to-face with his own most implacable enemy. (Vintage Books, 1997. Originally published in 1969. ISBN: 978-0679777465)
- The Ringed Castle: Fresh from the devastating and life-threatening events in Turkey, Lymond travels to Russia, where he becomes supreme commander of the armies of the half-mad tsar Ivan the Terrible. Despite Lymond's efforts to cut his ties to his family and homeland, the past inevitably intrudes and sets Lymond in conflict with those he holds most dear. (Vintage Books, 1997. Originally published in 1971. ISBN: 978-0679777472)
- Checkmate: Unwillingly brought to France by well-meaning friends, Lymond reluctantly accepts a commission in the armies of King Henri II, while struggling with an array of challenges and complications in his personal life. As passions flare and personalities clash, the mysteries of Lymond’s character and origins become clear, forcing him to deal with his own tarnished past and ambiguous nature. (Vintage Books, 1997. Originally published in 1975. ISBN: 978-0679777489)
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