The Edict
A Novel from the Beginnings of Golf
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
In this colorful tale set in 1457—the year the Scottish Parliament banned golf (in the first recorded reference to the game)—renowned golf architect Bob Cupp brings to life the origins of a pastime that has transfixed us for centuries.In the Middle Ages, St. Andrews was famous for its cathedral, its university, and for the game developed out in the linkslands by bored shepherds using balls and clubs. One of these, Caeril Patersone, is sufficiently skilled to compete for the title of champion, but in this quest he must contend with not only his competition but also a conniving financier in league with a sordid nobleman, not to mention the ravishing girl they have enlisted to further their interests. The Edict is rich in history about both golf and the community that defined the sport-a delight for anyone ever touched by the magic of the game.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Renowned "golf architect" Cupp's love of the game, plus loads of hooks, slices, mulligans and flying divots give his debut a charming and suspenseful flair. In 15th- century Scotland, golf is popular among commoners and noblemen alike, but no one swings a club better than young shepherd Caeril Patersone. Caeril and his best friend and clubman (caddie) Micael Carrick are favored to win the annual championship tournament at St. Andrews. But a devious nobleman who has made a bad wager and his crooked moneylender set out to orchestrate an upset by enlisting Eta, the beautiful daughter of a debt-ridden family, to distract Caeril during the match. If that scheme fails, they also have a more ruthless and final solution to their problem. Caeril, Micael and Eta must act fast to save their lives, but the nobleman has one more trick to protect his wager: he must convince the king to ban golf, thus canceling the tournament before it concludes. (This true but short-lived event occurred March 4, 1457.) How the Scottish golfers prevail adds much to this lively and colorful tale of playing golf with someone who refuses to lose.
