John Splendid: The Tale of a Poor Gentleman, and the Little Wars of Lorn

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22321

Title

John Splendid: The Tale of a Poor Gentleman, and the Little Wars of Lorn

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the rugged Highlands of Lorn, this romantic tale follows John Splendid, a soldier returning from foreign wars to his native village. Blending historical atmosphere with personal romance, the narrative explores themes of loyalty, loss, and the enduring spirit of the Scottish people against a backdrop of political unrest and natural beauty.

Summary up to 500 words

In Neil Munro's *John Splendid: The Tale of a Poor Gentleman, and the Little Wars of Lorn*, the narrative follows John Splendid (Colin Elrigmore), a soldier of Mackay's Corps, as he returns to his Highland home in Inneraora after twelve years of foreign service. His anticipated triumphant homecoming is immediately subverted by a somber reality: the town is dark and silent, and the sight of gibbets hanging corpses signals a time of political unrest and violence in the Highlands. Trapped by a pervasive, treacherous mist on the Moor of Rannoch, John becomes lost and weary, his physical and mental endurance tested by the desolate landscape. He is rescued by John M'Iver of Barbreck, a skilled hunter who helps him evade the "Black Dogs"—ferocious hunting hounds sent by his enemies. After escaping the moor and reaching the safety of Loch Tulla, John finds emotional solace with Betty, the minister's niece. At the Bealloch-an-uarain well, they share stories and moments of affection, though John's departure for the wars looms large. The story culminates in a poignant farewell. As John prepares to ride away once more to the foreign wars, he bids emotional goodbyes to his friends and Betty. The community mourns his departure, with fishermen and neighbors gathering to see him off. The scene is marked by the sound of a bagpipe playing the tune "Come back to the Glen," a traditional invitation for a soldier's safe return. John rides past the tombs of Kilmalieu and the gates of his native glen, leaving behind a community that hopes for his survival despite the grim odds. The novel encapsulates the bittersweet nature of duty, love, and the harsh realities faced by Highlanders caught between local clan conflicts and foreign campaigns, preserving the spirit and manners of a vanishing era.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction