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Homecoming
£5.99
A vivid, atmospheric journey through the Scottish years that shaped Mary, Queen of Scots — her childhood, her return, her reign and her downfall.
Rosemary Goring brings Mary Stuart’s dramatic life into sharp focus by exploring the landscapes, castles and courtly settings where her story unfolded.
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About the Ebook
Homecoming reveals the extraordinary story of Mary, Queen of Scots during the twelve years she spent in her homeland — years that defined her character, her politics and her fate.
As a fearless child, Mary laughed at her companions’ seasickness as they fled to France. As an eighteen‑year‑old widow returning to a fractured Scotland, she faced a nation divided by religion, ambition and intrigue. Though her time in Scotland was brief, it shaped everything that followed.
Rosemary Goring traces Mary’s life through the dramatic locations where key events took place, examining how Scotland’s turbulent court and culture influenced her decisions and contributed to her downfall. Whether Mary emerges as blameless or culpable, this evocative retelling allows readers to see her as she truly was — a complex, charismatic and deeply human figure.
Locations featured include:
Linlithgow Palace • Stirling Castle • Dumbarton Castle • Leith • Holyrood Palace • Crichton Castle • Darnaway Castle • Huntly Castle • Spynie Palace • Falkland Palace • Seton Palace • St Andrews and Fife • Dunbar Castle • Edinburgh Castle • Traquair House • Hermitage Castle • Jedburgh, Mary Queen of Scots House • Craigmillar Castle • Edinburgh and Kirk o’ Field • Borthwick Castle • Carberry Hill • Lochleven Castle • Langside • Dundrennan Abbey
Critical Praise
"A richly detailed and atmospheric portrait of Mary’s Scotland — immersive, insightful and beautifully told."
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- A fresh perspective on one of history’s most iconic queens.
- Deeply researched and grounded in real Scottish locations.
- Blends biography, history and travel writing into a compelling narrative.
- Perfect for readers of Scottish history, royal biography and historical nonfiction.
- A standout Birlinn title offering new insight into Mary’s life and legacy.
About the Author
Rosemary Goring was born in Dunbar and studied at the University of St Andrews. She worked as a reference editor at W&R Chambers before becoming literary editor of Scotland on Sunday, and later The Herald and Sunday Herald. She is also the author of the historical novels After Flodden and Dacre’s War.
Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Imprint: Birlinn
Publication Date: 7 March 2024
Print Length: 336 pages
ISBN (Ebook): 9781780278254
Format: Ebook
Language: English
Categories: History
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