Ivanhoe

Scotts most popular novel, and the first of his works to be set in England, Ivanhoe was first published in 1819. During Richard Is reign, Wilfred of Ivanhoe earns his fathers disapproval by falling in love with Rowena, his fathers 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 Kings brother attempts to take the throne for himself in his brothers 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 combatbut have his affections shifted, or does he still love Rowena? Sir Walter Scotts fanciful, vivid reinterpretation of medieval life makes for a successful novel that blends fact, myth and romance.