THE PATH OF THE KING

THE PATH OF THE KING is a novel by the Scottish author JOHN BUCHAN, BARON TWEEDSMUIR. The first edition was published by Hodder & Stoughton of London in 1921. The novel takes the form of a loosely-coupled collection of short stories presenting a sweeping tapestry of historical episodes, from the Vikings through centuries of Norman, French, Flemish, English, Scottish and American scenes. In a prologue to the novel, three men discuss around a campfire the notion that the 'spark' of masterful men may be transmitted down from generation to generation, and even though it may smoulder for generations and may seem lost, will reappear and flare up when the time is right. In the first episode, a Northern prince's golden torque is the symbol of his royal status. On his death the gold is remodelled as a ring, which is handed down from generation to generation until it is eventually inherited by the mother of Abraham Lincoln. The young Abe, using it as a sinker for his fishing line, loses it in a crick and is distraught. On her deathbed, Abe's mother recognises the potential for kingliness in her young son and dies content, realizing that the ring is needed no more.