Set in the 16th century when Elizabeth I ruled England, and her cousin,
Mary, ruled Scotland, The Monastery depicts the religious tension and
restlessness that existed along Scotland's border. While Elizabeth ruled
with her Anglican beliefs, Mary was a Catholic, and with much of their
culture intermixing, this sowed unrest. While this feud between the
Catholic church and the Anglican heretical church rages on, two
families, the Glendenning's and the Avanel's, mourn the loss of their
patriarch. The Avanel widow and her daughter, Mary, move to the Tower of
Glendeareg, a property of the Kennaquhair monastery. After the death of
the Avanel widow, a mysterious black book containing heretic hymns and
writings is found with her possessions. Scandalized and angered by the
difference in religious views, the monks confiscate the book. Yet,
despite their adamance, the book mysteriously finds its way back to the
Tower of Glendeareg. As a state of lawlessness and religious intolerance
prevailed over the region, Sir Walter Scott depicts two families as they
experience grief, rivalry, love, and supernatural encounters. With a mix
of romance, conflicted theology, humor, and supernatural events, The
Monastery by Sir Walter Scott is unique and fascinating. First
published two hundred years ago in 1820, The Monastery is one of the
many additions to Sir Walter Scott's Waverly series, and though is
among the lessen known of Scott's novels, is praised for its evocative
setting and relatable characters. Centered around a fictious
representation of the famed Melrose Abbey, a convent destroyed by
English troops in 1385, The Monastery provides a detailed and intimate
representation of the turmoil the differences in religion caused,
especially along the ill-policed border of Scotland. This edition of
The Monastery by Sir Walter Scott now features an eye-catching new
cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable.
With these accommodations, this edition of The Monastery crafts an
accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while
restoring the original mastery and drama of Sir Walter Scott's
literature.
