Triple Alliance is Nigel Tranter's ninety-second historical novel and second dealing with the Cromwell occupation of Scotland in the mid 17th century. Honours Even was the earlier one.

      Following his victory at the Battle of Dunbar in 1650, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, sought to bring Scotland too under his protectorate. On his return south , he left General George Monk in command and, among others, Colonel James Stanfield, who was mad ågovernor¼ of Haddington.

     When Cromwell died and King Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, Colonel Stanfield made the highly unusual decision to remain on in Scotland. Together with two Haddingtonshire lairds whom he had captured at Dunbar and later befriended -- Patrick, Lord Elibank and George Hepburn of Monkrigg -- he devised a plan to found an industry making use og the great quantity of wool from the sheep-strewn Lammermuir Hills. Instead of exporting the raw material to the Low Countries -- as had traditionally been the case -- the friends saw an opportunity to profit by establishing cloth-mills at home, in Haddington.

      But as the enterprise grew and achieved nationwide importance, it was to bring dramatic consequences and unforeseen developments for the trio . . .

      In his customary vivid and imaginative style, Nigel Tranter has brought to life the incredible story of this group of most remarkable men. In hb, 228 pp ........ $29.95 (Hardback first edition)

Other Tranter News
      Triple Alliance is NOT the last of Tranter's novels to be published. Rather, there are four more on the shelf ready for the printer. They are scheduled to appear on the dates indicated below:
      The Islesman -- December 2002 tells more of the story of Angus Og Macdonald who appeared in The Path of the Hero King.
      Right Royal Friends -- December 2003 tells the story of David Murray who became friend with James VI when he was a young man.
      Marie and Mary -- December 2004 tells more of the story of the relationship of Marie de Guise and her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots, a story he once told me he would not write; thank goodness he relented.
      Hope Endures -- December 2005 tells the story of Thomas Hope who became Lord Advocate for James VI and was sent on many missions for him and his son and grandson, Charles I and Charles II.