Publisher's Synopsis
Ivanhoe (1819), a work of historical fiction by Walter Scott, provides a fanciful account of English life in the medieval twelfth century. Weaving together historical models of the tournament, witch trials, outlaws, and Jewish-Christian conflict, Scott's book attempts to revive interest in medievalism and romance in modern literary culture. It succeeded in doing so, contributing to popular character archetypes, such as King John and Robin Hood. The book primarily concerns the protagonist Wilfred of Ivanhoe who goes on a journey full of romance, tournaments, and familial reconciliation.
As a result of his support for King Richard, Wilfred of Ivanhoe is disinherited by his father, Cedric of Rotherwood. Included in his father's grievances is the fact that Ivanhoe has fallen in love with one of Cedric's wards, Lady Rowena, a descendant of one of England's Saxon kings. Cedric had hoped to force Rowena to marry Lord Athelstane, a possible future King of England. Disinherited, Ivanhoe goes with King Richard on the Christian Crusades, playing a leading role in the Siege of Acre. He also gives medical aid to Louis Thuringia while he suffers from malaria.
