Ivanhoe

The fifth novel in Scott's Waverley series, Ivanhoe has become a timeless classic for all readers. The novel follows the story of the Saxon Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who is disinherited by his father for supporting King Richard (a Norman) and in love with Lady Rowena. In one of the most famous scenes in literature, Ivanhoe participates in a jousting tournament. It is here that Scott introduces Locksley, better known as Robin Hood, to the story as a champion archer. Critics give Scott credit for introducing a Robin Hood that is more of a noble outlaw than a criminal. Interestingly, critics have postulated that the main female character, Rebecca, was modeled after Rebecca Gratz, the first female Jewish college student in the United States. The novel is also attributed to starting a revival of interest in the Middle Ages, creating the well-known bizarre relationship between King Richard and Prince John, and introducing the word "freelance" into the English language.