The Laird's Luck and Other Fireside Tales

"The Laird's Luck and Other Fireside Tales" by A.T. Quiller-Couch is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The stories often explore themes of luck, fate, and the human experience within the backdrop of life in Scotland, featuring characters rich in depth and complexity. The opening tale introduces Ensign David Marie Joseph Mackenzie, who meets a tragic fate in battle, providing a glimpse into the lives of soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars. The beginning of the book sets the stage by recounting the events surrounding Mackenzie’s service with the Moray Highlanders during a crucial engagement. As Major Reginald Sparkes reflects on Mackenzie's character and untimely death at Quatre Bras, the narrative reveals the dark secret of a stain upon his honor—that of an unproven accusation against him. The story unfolds through details of the soldiers' camaraderie, the challenges they face on the battlefield, and the poignant introspection of their leader regarding loyalty, guilt, and the consequences of fate. This engaging opening draws readers into a world where valor and dishonor intertwine, ultimately leaving room for deeper explorations of the human condition throughout the collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch was a British writer who published using the pseudonym Q. Although a prolific novelist, he is remembered mainly for the monumental publication The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900 and for his literary criticism. He influenced many who never met him, including American writer Helene Hanff, author of 84, Charing Cross Road and its sequel, Q's Legacy. His The Oxford Book of English Verse was a favourite of John Mortimer's fictional character Horace Rumpole.