Ballad of the Five Marys by Donald Smith sampler
Why was Mary deposed? Who killed Darnley? Five hundred years after the Battle of Flodden and the birth of John Knox, this new take on Mary’s life explores not only the historical events which led to her demise, but the relationships and emotions of an increasingly isolated young woman faced with political and religious upheaval and her country’s gradual loss of independence.
Why was Mary deposed? Who killed Darnley? Five hundred years after the Battle of Flodden and the birth of John Knox, this new take on Mary’s life explores not only the historical events which led to her demise, but the relationships and emotions of an increasingly isolated young woman faced with political and religious upheaval and her country’s gradual loss of independence.
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donald smith is <strong>the</strong> author <strong>of</strong> two previous historical novels, The English<br />
Spy and Between Ourselves. He is also internationally respected for his role<br />
in <strong>the</strong> renaissance <strong>of</strong> traditional arts, Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Scottish Storytelling<br />
Centre and an experienced playwright and <strong>the</strong>atre producer. His non-fiction<br />
includes Storytelling Scotland: A Nation in Narrative, God, <strong>the</strong> Poet and <strong>the</strong><br />
Devil: Robert Burns and Religion and most recently Arthur’s Seat: Journeys<br />
and Evocations, co-authored with Stuart McHardy. A selection <strong>of</strong> <strong>Donald</strong><br />
<strong>Smith</strong>’s narrative and dramatic poetry, A Long Stride Shortens <strong>the</strong> Road,<br />
was published in 2004 to mark <strong>the</strong> opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new Scottish Parliament<br />
at Holyrood, and his book on <strong>the</strong> Scottish independence debate, Freedom<br />
and Faith: A Question <strong>of</strong> Scottish Identity is also published this year. Born<br />
in Glasgow to an Irish mo<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>Donald</strong> <strong>Smith</strong> was a postgraduate student<br />
at Edinburgh University’s School <strong>of</strong> Scottish Studies, where <strong>the</strong> combined<br />
influence <strong>of</strong> Naomi Mitchison and Hamish Henderson diverted him from<br />
academe to <strong>the</strong> arts. <strong>Donald</strong> <strong>Smith</strong> led <strong>the</strong> final successful campaign for a<br />
National Theatre <strong>of</strong> Scotland, <strong>of</strong> which he was a founding Director. He has<br />
five children and one grandson.<br />
Praise for <strong>Donald</strong> <strong>Smith</strong>’s previous work:<br />
The English Spy<br />
<strong>Donald</strong> <strong>Smith</strong> is master <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> spying game. <strong>the</strong> scotsman<br />
Excellent… a vivid sense <strong>of</strong> time and place. <strong>the</strong> herald<br />
Between Ourselves<br />
The evocation <strong>of</strong> atmosphere is superb. <strong>the</strong> tablet<br />
<strong>Smith</strong> can certainly carry a tale – and who is to say his interpretation does not<br />
go close to <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> a great love story. <strong>the</strong> daily mail<br />
God, <strong>the</strong> Poet and <strong>the</strong> Devil<br />
Beautifully and clearly written I read it at one sitting with joy.<br />
richard holloway<br />
Arthur’s Seat: Journeys and Evocations, with Stuart McHardy<br />
In walking <strong>the</strong> paths, we somehow write our own meaning and value into <strong>the</strong><br />
stones <strong>the</strong>mselves, so that <strong>the</strong>y touch us personally. <strong>the</strong> scotsman<br />
The remarkable guide to Edinburgh’s famous landmark… hidden secrets and<br />
long forgotten fables. edinburgh evening news
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