THE NIGEL TRANTER BOOK COLLECTORS HOMEPAGE

TRANTER FIRST EDITION BOOKS
PUBLICATION TIMELINE

PART I.....1935--1971

THE DEFINITIVE LIST OF BOTH HARDBACK AND PAPERBACK BOOKS

Above are shown two first edition covers with permission of of Hodder and Stoughton

My collection of Nigel's books now numbers 120 first edition hardback books, 45 first edition paperbacks and some foreign language editions.

Having started out originally with his later historical novels, it has been a fascinating exercise to read my way through his earlier titles marvelling at how his style has changed over the years.

The most noticable change is from the simple prose of a man 'trying out new things' and sometimes overdoing it to someone who, nowadays, can do so much more with a greater economy of words.

You are welcome to download and use this timeline but please respect my copyright and give me credit every time you use or photocopy it.

If, like me, you are a Nigel enthusiast and you would like to chat about Nigel and his books please join the Nigel Tranter Books Mailing List.


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  • 1935 --- The Fortalices and Early Mansions of Southern Scotland, 1400-1650......The Moray Press, Edinburgh.
    Nigel's first book, written at the age of 24, and covering some 186 fortified dwellings, with pen and ink illustrations by Nigel. This book reflects the interest that he had in such buildings since his childhood. Later this interest provided a 'springboard' to his 'Fortified Houses' series and this , in turn, became the starting point of his writing of historical novels.)

  • 1937 --- Tresspass.....( The Moray Press, Edinburgh. A small print run -- then the Moray Press went into liquidation.)
    1940 --- Re-issue by Ward, Lock and Co.

  • 1939 --- Mammon's Daughter.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Yorkshire woollen millionaire, Lord Holby, the new 'Absentee Owner' of the Monach Estate implements improvement plans the will alter the crofter's way of life for ever. Mark Stewart opposes him at every turn. While Holtby wins in the long run, the price he has to pay is the loss of his daughter to Mark.

  • 1940 --- Harsh Heritage.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    A tale, set in the Highlands of Scotland during the infamous 'Highland Clearances' when eviction of tenants, cruelty, starvation and tragedy were commomplce every day occurrences. One act of cruelty leads to a dreadful curse being placed on Edward Neill, his family, lands and descendants. A powerful tale.
    1996 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

    • Eagles Feathers 1st Edition Cover

  • 1941 --- Eagles Feathers.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Hugh MacAimish, a USA railroad magnate, inherits the title of 'Chief of Clan Seumas' and returns to the clan estates to re-establish crofting and the traditional way of life. While he only partially succeeds in his aims he does find romance.

  • 1941 --- Watershed.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)

  • 1942 --- Gilded Fleece.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    A further story set against the Highland Clearances of 1809.Adam Metcalfe, a young Englishman, comes to work as Deputy Factor at Menardmore. The tremendous cruelty shown by John Dunn, the factor responsible for evictions, leads Adam into a serious conflict of loyalties.
    1993 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1944 --- Delayed Action.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Written by Nigel in wartime. The story involves David Scott, leader of the Home Guard, battling with German spies who are out to steal the secrets of a Polish scientist based in the Borders. The book is dedicated to Nigel's Polish friend Janusz Sleszynski.

    • Delayed Action 1st Edition Cover

  • 1945 --- Tinker's Pride.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Set in Scotland of the 1930s plot of this story involves the repercussions when the the new laird, a London financier, opposes the long established way of life of Alastair MacIver, the Tinker of the title. Power and wealth versus pride and tradition makes for a memorable story.
    1979 --- Hardback reprint by Molindinar Press, Glasgow
    1994 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1946 --- Man's Estate.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Hated by his dead uncle who deliberately ruined the family estate John,Viscount Threipwood returns to claim his inheritance. Despised by the community because of his uncle's lies the story is about his fight to re-establish Threipwood as a viable estate.
    1977 --- Ulverscroft, Large Print Hardback Edition

  • 1947 --- Flight of Dutchmen.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    David Scott, he of 'Delayed Action' while on holiday in Norfolk gets caught up in a diamond smuggling adventure that had its origin in the Dutch soldiers stationed there during the second world war.

  • 1947 --- Island Twilight.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Set in Napoleonic times on Erismore, a small island in the Inner Hebrides this story is described as ' A singularly strange and gripping tale, of ancient evil and tender love, of fierce conflict and pathos and beauty'. One of Nigel's more unusual novels.
    1981 --- Hardback reprint by Richard Drew
    1996 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1948 --- Colours Flying.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)

  • 1948 --- Root and Branch.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)

  • 1949 --- The Chosen Course
    Hector Ross, returning to Scotland from Burma, tries to bring benefits to the glens by building a Hydro Electric scheme. His plan causes anger in some quarters, particularly among the land speculators.
    1980 --- Hardback reprint by Molindinar Press, Glasgow

  • 1949 --- The Thirsty Range
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold. Tredgold was Nigel's Father's middle name.)

  • 1950 --- Fair Game.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)

  • 1950 --- The Freebooters.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    A veteran of the second world war, unable to settle, joins the Scottish Nationalist cause.
    1997 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1950 --- High Spirits.....( Collins.)
    The basis of Nigel's extravaganza, as he calls it in his 'Author's note', is the impact made by Slugs Macian and his daughter Julie. The weaving of the differences in the background culture and values of Slugs, Julie and the highlanders they meet produces, along with Nigel's inevitable 'love interest' an unusual plot for a novel. Certainly one not to be taken seriously.

  • 1950 --- Heartbreak Valley
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1951 --- Tidewrack....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    On a working holiday, Iain Findlater a London journalist, returns to Craikmouth in East Lothian. ( A thinly disguised Aberlady, complete with 'Timmer Bridge' See picture above.). Here he becomes caught up in a tale of avarice, hatred, murder, madness and, finally, romance.

  • 1951 --- Fast and Loose.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    This thrilling story tells of the Chief of Clan MacColl being forced to send, Colin, his eldest son to the King's Court as a hostage. He returns three years later to find his father seriously ill and the Clan and its lands ruled by Cormac his evil and treacherous brother.Colin fights to restore himself to his rightful place.

    • 1994 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1952 --- Bridal Path.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Island life in the 1940s.Ewan MacEwan an Islander fron Eorsa searches the mainland for a wife.The 'innocent abroad' eventually finds that romance was back home on the island. Made into a film in 1959.
    1996 --- Hardback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh
    1973 --- Hardback reprint Aberlady Edition) by Hodder and Stoughton
    1992 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1952 --- Cheviot Chase.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Set in modern times this story reflects enmity between the towns of Hawick and Hexham. Enmity that started as a result of the events of the Battle of Hornshole 1541. See Balefire (1958)

  • 1952 --- The Big Corral.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)

  • 1952 --- The Trail Herd .....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1953 --- Ducks and Drakes.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)

    • The Queen's Grace 1st Edition Cover

  • 1953 --- The Queen's Grace.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Life and times of Mary Queen of Scots and the Earl of Huntly.
    1973 --- Hardback reprint Aberlady Edition) by Hodder and Stoughton
    1992 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1953 --- Desert Doublecross .....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1954 --- The Nightriders.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    A lighthearted re-enactment of Border Reiving.

  • 1954 --- Rum Week.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    A 'Whisky Galore' type of story set on the imaginary island of Rum. The local inhabitants humorously manipulate both an American film company and a cruise liner as the 'improve' the islands economy by a considerable amount of money.

  • 1954 --- Cloven Hooves .....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1955 --- There are worse Jungles.....(Ward, Lock and Co.)
    A tale of Murdo MacRae penetrating the depths of the Amazon jungle and fighting off the Morcegos , ape-like and barely human, while in search of a crashed plane containing atomic secrets and, of course, a beautiful woman.
    1955----Tabloid insert of the complete book in the Toronto Weekly Star dated 15th October.

    • Dynamite Trail 1st Edition Cover

  • 1955 --- Rio d'Oro.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    Following the lead for a story, about illegal Inca treasure hunting,Scotsman Rob Ramage, Peruvian correspondent for a London newspaper finds himself caught up with gold, gangsters, pirahna fish, anacondas and romance.
    1973 --- Hardback reprint by White Lion Publishers

  • 1955 --- Dynamite Trail
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1956 --- The Long Coffin.....( Hodder and Stoughton.) .
    1973 --- Hardback reprint by White Lion Publishers
    1975 --- Hardback reprint Ulverscroft Large Print Books

  • 1956 --- Rancher Renegade
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1957 --- The Enduring Flame.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    1957 --- .....(Remploy edition)

  • 1957 --- MacGregor's Gathering.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    The first in the MacGregor trilogy. A fictional story based on fact. Rob Roy and his nephew battle against the Duke of Cumberland and the English army.
    1972 --- Hardback reprint Aberlady Edition) by Hodder and Stoughton
    1974 --- 'Coronet'Paperback 1st Edition reprint by Hodder and Stoughton

  • 1957 --- Trailing Trouble .....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1957 --- Dead Reckoning .....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    (Under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1958 --- Balefire.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    Romance in the midst of the Scotland/England border wars in the 16th century.
    1992 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1958 --- Spaniard's Isle.....( Brockhampton Press )
    A children's novel

    • Japanese Edition Cover

  • 1958 --- The Stone.....( Hodder and Stoughton.)
    The story of the true Stone of destiny.
    1972 --- Paperback reprint by New English Library
    1992 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh
    1998 --- Paperback reprint in Japanese Translation

  • 1958 --- Bloodstone Trail.....( Ward, Lock and Co.)
    (A western under the pseudonym of Nye Tredgold)

  • 1959 --- Border Riding..... ( Brockhampton Press )
    A children's novel

  • 1959 --- The Clansman.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    Second of the MacGregor trilogy this book tells of Rob Roy, declared an outlaw, and his steadfast support of the Stewart cause. In his absence, his wife and children are attacked. Rob Roy vows terrible vengeance.

  • 1959 --- The Man Behind the Curtain.....( Hodder and Stoughton.)
    A story of espionage involving the rescue of an anti-communist Doctor from communist held Poland. Set in the Baltic on the Island of Bornholm where Nigel had one of his wildfowling research 'holidays'.

  • 1960 --- The Flockmasters.....( Hodder and Stoughton) The Flockmasters 1st Edition Cover.
    Set in 1806 Alastair McRory returns to Wester Ross having been wounded in the Peninsular Wars. He is shocked to find his people being dispossessed as a result of the Highland Clearances. Sheep are more important than people.
    1994 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1960 --- Nestor the Monster..... ( Brockhampton Press )
    A children's novel set around the hunt for the Loch Ness Monster.
    1992 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh
    1996 --- Paperback reprint, Japanese Translation

  • 1960 --- Spanish Galleon.....( Hodder and Stoughton )
    In an other hilarious adventure, set in the outer isles, Nigel's tale tells of the 'locals' getting the better of the 'foreign' treasure hunters seeking Spanish Gold from an old Armada wreck.

  • 1961 --- Birds of a Feather.....( Brockhampton)
    A children's novel.

  • 1961 --- The Deer Poachers>..... ( Blackie and Son )
    A children's novel

  • 1961 --- Kettle of Fish.....( Hodder and Stoughton.)
    A tale of salmon fishing and poaching on the River Tweed when Adam Horsburgh, the local schoolmaster,sets out to challenge the Tweed Fisheries Act of 1857. Adam finds himself caught up in a salmon war involving the Commissioners, gangs of poachers and even the Royal Navy.
    1994 --- Paperback reprint by B & W, Edinburgh

  • 1961 --- The Master of Gray.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    Later called 'Lord and master'.Considered to be Nigel's first real 'Historical' novel. (ie based on real characters from Scottish History, not fictional ones) Patrick, Master of Gray, fascinating and ruthless is involved in plots to free Mary Queen of Scots.
    1973 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton under the new title 'Lord and Master'. By this time Nigel had decided to write a trilogy on 'The Master of Gray'
    1996 --- Paperback reprint as 'Amo Y Senor' By Plaza and Janes. (Spanish Translation)

  • 1962 --- Drug on the Market.....( Hodder and Stoughton )
    While wildfowling in Aberlady Bay Philip Hepburn becomes caught up in a fast paced story of drug smuggling involving Arab oil tankers and local fishing boats, the Police and Customs and Excise. In the tense denouement in the wrecked submarines in Aberlady Bay Philip finds both the drugs and romance.

  • 1962 --- Gold for Prince Charlie.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    Third in the MacGregor series. Set just after Culloden. Rob Roy's Great Nephew helps escort Bonnie Prince Charlie to safety. He becomes involved in saving the French gold that arrived too late to help the Prince.
    1972 --- Hardback reprint Aberlady Edition) by Hodder and Stoughton
    1974 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton

  • 1962 --- Something Very Fishy.....( Collins )
    A children's novel in which Don and Ian MacDonald don't think much of Houndswyre Tower when they visit it. The groans of an injured man, however, alert them to 'Something Very Fishy' going on.

  • 1962-1970 --- The Fortified House in Scotland

    Vol 1.----South East Scotland.....(1962 Oliver and Boyd)
    Vol 2----Central Scotland.....(1963 Oliver and Boyd)
    Vol 3----South West Scotland.....( 1965 Oliver and Boyd)
    Vol 4----Aberdeenshire, Angus, Kincardine.....( 1966 Oliver and Boyd)
    Vol 5----North West Scotland.....(1970 W.& R.Chambers)

    • 1986 --- Revised edition of all five books published by Mercat Press

    The Courtesan 1st Edition Cover.

  • 1963 --- The Courtesan .....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    The second novel about The Master of Gray. Mary, the beautiful daughter of Gray forbidden to marry Lenox becomes embroiled in a battle of wits with her father to save Protestant Scotland from the Spanish Inquisition.
    1973 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton
    1997 --- Paperback reprint as ' La Courtesana ' By Plaza and Janes. (Spanish Translation)

  • 1963 --- Give a Dog a Bad Name..... ( Collins )
    a children's novel in which Don and Ian MacDonald are horrified to discover that Lady, a sheepdog that helped them out of a dangerous situation has a really bad reputation with the owners. The brothers face a grim situation to save Lady.

    • 1964 --- Smoke Across the Highlands.....( Platt and Munk,USA )
    Give a Dog a Bad Name did not suit the USA market as a title so they changed it to this.

  • 1964 --- Chain of Destiny.....( Hodder and Stoughton.)
    The story of James IV. He came to the throne in 1488 at the age of fifteen and died tragically at Flodden in 1513.
    1977 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton

  • 1964 --- The Pegasus Book of Scotland..... (Dobson )

  • 1964 --- Silver Island.....( Thomas Nelson & Sons)
    A children's novel in which Nick and Peter, while camping in Wigtown Bay, explore old lead mines that take them out to 'Silver Island and an adventure that ends with their foiling a theft at Ardencraig Castle.

  • 1965 --- Outlaw of the Highlands ..... (Dobson)
    1991 --- Paperback re-issue as 'Rob Roy MacGregor' by Lochar Publishing
    1995 --- Paperback re-issue as 'Rob Roy MacGregor' by Neil Wilson Publishing

  • 1965 --- Past Master.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    The third book about The Master of Gray. On the death of Elizabeth of England, Patrick Master of Gray is determined the James VI will succeed to the English throne. Powerfully his daughter Mary and Lennox are caught up in his intrigue.
    1973 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton
    1996 --- Paperback reprint as ' Artifice de un Reino' By Plaza and Janes. (Spanish Translation)

  • 1965 --- Pursuit.....( Collins)
    A children's novel set in the high Pyrenees. Another adventure story involving Scottish holidaymakers Don and Ian MacDonald in a tense drama.

    • Pursuit 1st Edition Cover.

  • 1966 --- A Stake in the Kingdom.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    The rise and fall of Cardinal David Beaton, spin doctor par excellence. Famous for his burning of George Wishart outside St Andrews Castle. One of Nigel's heroes of all time. He considers his impact on Scotland to have been seriously underestimated.
    1995 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton

  • 1967 --- Fire and High Water ..... (Collins)
    A children's novel.

  • 1967 --- Lion Let loose.....( Hodder and Stoughton.)
    The story of King James I.
    1993 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton

  • 1967 --- Tinker Tess..... ( Dobson )
    A children's novel.

  • 1968 --- Land of the Scots..... ( Hodder and Stoughton )
    A 'coffee table' book profusely illustrated with black and white and coloured photographs, all carefully chosen by Nigel, to accompany his excellent and detailed text.

  • 1968 --- To the Rescue.....( Dobson.)
    A children's story set around Aberlady Bay where Nigel writes all his books.

  • 1968 --- Black Douglas..... ( Hodder and Stoughton )
    1973 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton

  • 1968 --- No Tigers in the Hindu Kush.....( Hodder and Stoughton.)
    Nigel's son Philip, a noted mountaineer, was killed in a tragic road accident io the 19th of August 1966 while returning from climbing in Turkey. Nigel took all the notes of Philip's record breaking 1965 Hindu Kush expedition and edited them into this book. A fitting tribute to a wonderful and talented son.

    • Cable from Kabul 1st Edition Cover.

  • 1968 --- Cable from Kabul .....( Hodder and Stoughton.)
    An adventure story set in the Hindu Kush. Written from research notes made by Nigel's son Philip, a noted mountaineer. See last entry.

  • 1969 --- The Steps to the Empty Throne.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    The first book in the Bruce trilogy.
    1971 --- 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton. This marks the start of the issue of paperback books and emphasises the growing importance of Nigel as a writer of historical novels.
    1974 --- 'USA paperback edition, Published by Ballantyne Books, New York

  • Note about Coronet Editions
    'The Steps to the Empty Throne' paperback was published as 'A Hodder Paperback' but it was adorned with a red coronet on the spine. Thereafter the paperback series was called 'Coronet edition'. As you will see from the above many of the early titles were not published in paperback until the 1990s indicating even greater appreciation of Nigel's work in later years.

  • 1970 --- The Path of the Hero King.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    The second book in the Bruce trilogy
    1972 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton
    1974 --- 'USA paperback edition, Published by Ballantyne Books, New York

  • 1971 --- The Price of the King's Peace.....( Hodder and Stoughton)
    The third book in the Bruce trilogy.
    1972 --- 'Coronet' 1st edition Paperback, Published by Hodder and Stoughton
    1974 --- 'USA paperback edition, Published by Ballantyne Books, New York

  • 1971 --- The Queen's Scotland..... ( Hodder and Stoughton )
    The Heartland, Clackmannan, Perth and Stirlingshire

    • Link to books published 1972- 2000

    Included in the 'Associated Pages' section are 'on-line' links that will let you order Nigel's books via the internet.

    PART 1

    PART 2

    PART 3

    PART 4

    PART 5

    PART 6

    PART 7

    		 Back to the Tranter Homepage.

    Biography of Nigel Tranter.

    Nigel Tranter and the Castles of Scotland.

    The Books of Nigel Tranter.

    Links to Associated Pages.

    Write your own Appreciation of Nigel and his work

    Link to 'Cameron's Gateway to Scottish History'. If you arrived here from elsewhere.

    E-mail Link