The heroic adventures of Sir Wilfred make IVANHOE perhaps Scott’s most unforgettable work: the fiery rescue of Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe and his fellow captives from Knight Templar’s castle by Robin Hood; the wounded Ivanhoe’s trial by combat with the powerful Knight to save the lovely Jewess Rebecca from the stake; and King Richard the Lion-Hearted’s aid in Ivanhoe’s triumph at evil King John’s tournament. To follow Sir Wilfred’s spirited exploits is to enter the colorful era of medieval England, a world of romance and chivalry, crusades and tradition, The stirring drama of IVANHOE, set against a shimmering backdrop of chivalry, Norman-Saxon conflict, and medieval pageantry establish Sir Walter Scott as the originator of the historical novel, A master storyteller, Scott weaves a tale of courtly love and derring-do that has thrilled readers since its first appearance in 1820.

THE Author of the Waverley Novels had hitherto proceeded in an unabated course of popularity, and might, in his peculiar district of literature, have been termed renfant gate.of success. It was plain, however, that frequent publication must finally wear out the public favour, unless some mode could be devised to give an appearance of novelty to subsequent productions. Scottish manners, Scottish dialect, and Scottish characters of note, being those with which the Author was most intimately and familiarly acquainted, were the groundwork upon which he had hitherto relied for giving effect to his narrative...