Spanish John Being a Memoir, Now First Published in Complete Form, of the Early Life and Adventures of Colonel John McDonell, Known as "Spanish John," When a Lieutenant in the Company of St. James of the Regiment Irlandia, in the Service of the King of Spain Operating in Italy

"Spanish John" by William McLennan is a vibrant historical fiction set against the backdrop of 18th-century Europe, following the early life of Colonel John McDonell, known as "Spanish John." As a young lieutenant in the Regiment Irlandia, McDonell finds himself torn between family expectations and the allure of a life in service to the King of Spain. The novel starts with McDonell on the verge of leaving home, his future uncertain, caught between his father's wish for him to pursue religious studies in Rome and his ambitious uncle's desire for him to become a soldier. This sets the stage for a journey filled with military exploits, historical encounters, and the forging of loyalties that define McDonell's identity amid the conflicts and camaraderie of his era.