Ivanhoe

Scott's most popular novel, and the first of his works to be set in England, Ivanhoe was first published in 1819. During Richard I's reign, Wilfred of Ivanhoe earns his father's disapproval by falling in love with Rowena, his father's ward. His father had planned to wed her himself, and re-establish the Saxon line. Ivanhoe serves with Richard I during the Crusades, while the King's brother attempts to take the throne for himself in his brother's absence. When Richard I and Ivanhoe return, a series of adventures take place against the backdrop of a tournament where Knights Templar are entered in the contests. Ivanhoe catches the eye of Rebecca, a beautiful and courageous Jewess; he is taken prisoner, along with his father and hers, and Rowena as well; and they rely upon one Locksley (Robin Hood) and his band of outlaws to set them free. When Rebecca is subsequently charged with witchcraft, she asks Ivanhoe to champion her in a trial by combat -- but have his affections shifted, or does he still love Rowena? Sir Walter Scott's fanciful, vivid reinterpretation of medieval life makes for a successful novel that blends fact, myth and romance. Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), Scottish novelist and poet, was born at Edinburgh. As a boy he was sent to his grandfather's farm at Sandyknowe, which introduced him to the Border country figured prominently in his creative work. He didn't show promise at the University -- his real education instead coming from people and books, ranging from Spenser to German ballad poetry. He did better in his father's law office as a law clerk, where he was admitted advocate in 1792. While a volunteer in the yeomanry on a 'raid', he met Mlle Charpentier, daughter of a French emigre, whom he married Christmas Eve 1797. Two years later he was appointed sheriff of Selkirkshire. Scott published his Waverley novels between 1814-1832, during which time his publishing business foundered over expansion into hack publications; Scott was forced into bankruptcy in 1826.