Publisher Description
"A kingdom divided, a knight disinherited, and the return of a King."
England is a land of tension. While King Richard the Lionheart languishes in an Austrian prison, his brother Prince John plots to seize the crown, fanning the flames of hatred between the conquered Saxons and the ruling Normans. Into this volatile world returns Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight cast out by his father for his loyalty to the Norman King. From the thrilling tournament at Ashby-de-la-Zouch to the siege of Torquilstone Castle, Ivanhoe brings the 1190s to life with unrivaled color. Featuring legendary figures like Robin Hood (Locksley) and the heroic Rebecca of York, Scott's novel is a pulse-pounding journey through a world of outlaws, Templars, and the code of honor that binds them.
The Rebirth of Robin Hood: Sir Walter Scott is largely responsible for the modern image of Robin Hood as a noble outlaw and a brilliant archer. By weaving "Locksley" into the political struggle of the novel, Scott transformed a collection of folk ballads into a cohesive national myth that still dominates our screens today.
The Complexity of Chivalry: While the novel celebrates bravery, it also questions the cost of the knightly code. Through the tragic figure of Rebecca, the Jewish healer, Scott explores prejudice and religious intolerance, making Ivanhoe a surprisingly modern critique of societal divisions.
Why It Is a Literary Landmark: Ivanhoe did for the Middle Ages what Star Wars did for space; it created an entire aesthetic of heroism. It moved historical fiction away from dry facts and into the realm of high adventure, making it a foundation stone for all fantasy and historical drama that followed.
Answer the call of the trumpet. Purchase "Ivanhoe" today.
