An Historical Novel Filled with Drama, Knights, and Damsels, Set in Ancient Britain
THE EAGLE
By Jack Whyte
Viking Canada
ISBN: ISBN: 0670867640
Reviewed by Dave Abbott
Jack Whyte is a storyteller of the old school. A Scot with a sense of humor he claims a direct Irish connection, on his mother’s side (County Clare), to the Great Emancipator, Daniel O’Connell, after whom Dublin’s main street is named.
Born in Glasgow, of a father blinded when landing on Omaha Beach during the Second World War, he is one of 11 musically talented children. Stimulated by a local schoolteacher Jack got the education bug and attended university in Scotland and France.
Arriving in Canada in the late Sixties, he was creative, ambitious and industrious. He tried acting, including a Robbie Burns one-man-show, enjoyed advertising, singing and being a poet, before becoming a best-selling author.
With a lively and curious mind, he enjoys researching history and pouring over old manuscripts, taking as long as three years before writing his epic novels.
Refreshingly modest, his four-generational books of the rise and fall of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and best friend Sir Lancelot, are internationally popular. Sales are in the millions and his books have been translated into 15 languages.
Critics rave about his writings and are particularly impressed by his descriptions and characterizations which are rich in historical detail and incident. He is frequently compared to the master of sweeping epics James Michener and justifiably so.
His latest epic, The Eagle, is the conclusion of the Arthurian series and tells the story of a young knight, Clothar, returning to Britain (Gaul) to help unify the clans and re-establish the rule of law.
For those who enjoy historical novels filled with drama, knights, damsels, humor and pathos set in ancient Britain, The Eagle is a superb read. For more information on Jack Whyte, log on to www.camulod.com.
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