Spots 
Editor William Rolfe painstakingly restores Walter Scott's original text from corrupted editions before the narrative opens in the Highlands. A thrilling stag hunt sweeps through Glenartney and Benvoirlich until a solitary knight loses his horse. Stranded by the steep precipices of Loch Katrine, the weary hunter sounds his horn and meets Ellen Douglas, who arrives in a light shallop to row him to safety.
Preface → CANTO FIRST.
On the secluded island of Loch Katrine, the white-haired minstrel Allan-bane plays mournful tunes foreboding doom for the exiled Douglas clan. Ellen Douglas cherishes her simple highland sanctuary over royal splendor, keeping her devotion for young Malcolm Graeme despite the fierce advances of chieftain Roderick Dhu. When Roderick demands her hand to seal a rebel alliance against King James V, Douglas refuses to trade his daughter for military protection, sparking high tension among the Highland leaders.
CANTO SECOND.
Brian the Hermit crafts a flaming cross of yew dipped in sacrificial blood to summon every male of Clan-Alpine to arms under penalty of deadly curses. The Fiery Cross speeds across Strath-Ire and Balquidder, halting weddings and mourners as clansmen rally to defend their homeland. Meanwhile, prophet auguries predict that whichever side spills the first blood in the coming conflict will claim victory, prompting complex maneuvers across the Highland passes.
CANTO THIRD. → CANTO FOURTH.
Sir James Fitz-James returns to offer Ellen safe refuge in Stirling, bestowing a royal signet ring that grants any boon from the King. As he seeks a path through the dangerous mountain passes, an unrecognised Highland guide leads him safely past Clan-Alpine outposts. Upon reaching Coilantogle Ford, the guide reveals himself as Roderick Dhu and challenges Fitz-James to single combat, where the knight's sword discipline narrowly overcomes the chieftain's raw brute strength.
CANTO FIFTH.
Disguised as a commoner, James of Douglas enters the burgher sports at Stirling Castle, winning the archery contest and wrestling prize before surrendering to the royal guard. In the castle prison, Allan-bane sings a stirring lay of the Trosachs battle to the dying Roderick Dhu, who expires as the song reaches its climax. When Ellen arrives to present her signet ring, she discovers that her friend Fitz-James is actually King James V, who grants her father full pardon and bestows Malcolm Graeme's hand.
CANTO SIXTH.
Imprisoned in Stirling Castle, the mortal injuries of Roderick Dhu leave him longing for the sounds of battle rather than quiet despair. Allan-bane strikes his harp strings to recount the Battle of Beal' An Duine, detailing how Lowland spearmen and Highland broadswords locked in wild combat within the narrow Trosachs defile. As the song portrays the fierce defense of Loch Katrine's shore, the chieftain listens intently until his breath quietly fails.
Introduction. → Canto First.
Critical annotations clarify the historical role of Highland bards, who preserved family genealogies and recited epic feats at chieftain tables. Detailed textual notes record editor Rolfe's corrections of longstanding printer errors across nineteenth-century editions of Scott's poem. Historical commentary outlines the origins of the Graham family and Saint Modan's legendary harp, illustrating how deeply authentic Scottish lore permeates every stanza.
Canto Second.
Explanatory notes document King James V's ruthless 1529 campaign through Ettrick Forest to suppress Border outlaws like John Armstrong. Historical extracts illustrate the extreme hardihood of Highland warriors, who slept in soaked plaids amidst mountain snow without needing pillows. Further commentary details the absolute devotion of clan henchmen, who stood guard behind their leaders during feasts to avenge any slight or insult.
Canto Third.
Detailed geographic notes trace the exact path of the Fiery Cross across Perthshire landmarks, from Duncraggan through the pass of Leny to Saint Bride's chapel. Traditional lore explains the Urisk, a half-human, half-goat satyr believed to inhabit the shadowy hollows of Benvenue. Historical context demonstrates how Scott embedded genuine Highland geography and folk beliefs into the dramatic tapestry of Clan-Alpine's mobilization.
Canto Fourth.
Annotations highlight the narrative function of Blanche of Devan, whose mad song warns Fitz-James of Murdoch's hidden ambush in the forest. Hunting terminology explains the "stag of ten," while notes on Highland warfare detail how raw venison was prepared between wooden batons during long hunts. The notes validate Fitz-James's determination to avenge innocent victims by confronting Roderick Dhu in single combat.
Canto Fifth.
Historical commentary describes the Stirling burgher festivals where masquers portrayed Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, and Little John amidst municipal revelry. The character of Douglas draws directly from Archibald of Kilspindie, a banished nobleman who vainly sought King James V's mercy after years of exile. Traditional customs of offering a ram, golden ring, or silver arrow as athletic prizes clarify the civic sports depicted in the poem.
Canto Sixth.
Historical anecdotes illustrate King James V's habit of wandering his realm in disguise under the alias Gudeman of Ballenguich. Folk stories detail his humorous encounters with local farmers, including the King of Kippen who demanded a share of royal provisions. Etymological notes trace the name Snowdoun back to King Arthur's chivalric legends, explaining why Scott chose romantic epithets over common place names for Stirling Castle.
Addendum.
Experience Walter Scott's classic poem of Highland chivalry, romantic rivalries, royal disguise, and clan warfare in Scotland.