Scott: even his least favorite novels are good!
Two travelers, a father and son, set out disguised as merchants in order to make their way through Switzerland and to the court of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Their aim? To convince him to support a revolt that will return the overthrown Lancastrian family in England to the throne. On their way, they are lost in the Swiss mountains and saved by a beautiful girl, Anne of Geirstein, who introduces them to her uncle, a powerful and respected landowner. He welcomes them genially into his home and offers to escort them to the Duke's court where he, too, is bound. While together, the older Englishman is impressed with the nobility and morals of his host while his son, Arthur, is equally impressed by the bravery and strength of the nobleman's sons and retainers. Both come to respect the Swiss and understand their sense of outrage at the Duke of Normandy, who is threatening their newly gained independence. Adding interest to the plot is Arthur's growing admiration for Anne and the mysterious legends surrounding her, their encounters with a terrifying Secret Society and a thorough description of the complex social and political intrigues of the time. The focus on politics and military movements in the middle of the book forces the romance between Anne and Arthur into the background and makes for somewhat slow reading. It is redeemed by the last portion of the book, however, which brings both the political conflict and Arthur's romance to a satisfying - if somewhat abrupt - climax. Although the book is not on of Scott's best known, it is still enjoyable and well worth the read.
