<strong>Woodstock</strong> opens in farce yet it is one of Scotts darkest novels. It dealswith revolution to Scott the most disturbing of all subjects it appear... » 

Woodstock opens in farce yet it is one of Scotts darkest novels. It dealswith revolution to Scott the most disturbing of all subjects it appears thatevery step we made towards liberty has but brought us in view of more terrificperils. Written during the financial crisis that culminated in his insolvencythe novel Scott feared would not stand the test. Yet it is a major sourceof interest in the superb portrait of Cromwell it is tempting to see Scottsown self torturing as he contemplated his ruin. «