Awful, 19 Nov 2006
I have heard alot of talk about how this book is definitive in modern novels, however I would rather stick to novels that actually speak modern language. Such an old vocabulary is no longer used in modern society, so why praise a terrible book that embraces this?

A defining moment in English Literature, 11 Feb 2006
Scott has to be the most underrated author in the British canon. He is no tartan and shortbread author, but one of the most innovative and influential novelists ever. People forget that among his contemporary European audience he was probably more popular than Jane Austen, lauded by most from Byron to Goethe, and even Austen begrudgingly recognised Scott's talent. True, his psychology may not be as incisive, but his stories are far more exciting and politically far deeper, and just as affecting.

Whereas Austen's novels are subtle and beautiful, Scott's are epic and sublime. Waverely was the first historical novel in history, as we understand the genre today, and a seminal work that laid the groundwork for most historcal novelists to this day. It has everything: fictional characters arise out of historical possibliity to play their role in significant historical narratives; the action depicts a transitional period and demonsrates the dynamic movement of history and social change; and of course, there is much epic romance and swashbuckling.

Scott shines most in his portrait of the Scottish characters, who are usually far more colourful and exotic than his staple English protagonist. He goes a long way to producing the epic portrayal of an entire historical society over the course of the Waverley novels, and in this the first novel the eponymous character sojourns with the Mac-Ivor clan and eventually fights alongside them at Prestonpans. Along the way the reader is privy to the effects of the transition from feudal to bourgeois society.

Scott's detail is wonderfully evocative and really lends the narrative the spirit of the times. This is a great read, and in spite of the occasional anachronism, the history is thoroughly researched. Scott had the skill and knowledge to paint the broad strokes and pay attention to fine detail in his portrait of mid-18th Century Scotland. A great novel that anyone can enjoy.

Scotts best?, 25 Mar 2003
I'd say this is his best moment. The original historical novel -fictional characters placed into an actual historical landscape, taking part in real historical events - this is set during the jacobite uprising in 1745, where we follow the adventures of Waverly as he travels up into the mystical highlands of Scotland.

I have to confess I'm not a huge fan of Scott, but this is a pretty good read. He is, however, extremely guilty of being very longwinded, describing absolutely everything in minute detail (more so than Dickens), and the narrative can tend to swing off on tangents to tell you things that are really extraneous to, well, anything. In this way it does take quite a few chapters before anything of note actually happens, so you do have to have a high level of endurance, but you are rewarded, as when things kick off, you find you've been so absorbed in the minute characterisation of the main and supporting characters, you do really care what happens to them. PLus, after so many chapters of inaction, when the action happens it's all he more exciting.

If you only read one Scott novel read this one. And chances are you probably won't want to read another, but you will have enjoyed this. honest.

Awful, 19 Nov 2006
I have heard alot of talk about how this book is definitive in modern novels, however I would rather stick to novels that actually speak modern language. Such an old vocabulary is no longer used in modern society, so why praise a terrible book that embraces this?

A defining moment in English Literature, 11 Feb 2006
Scott has to be the most underrated author in the British canon. He is no tartan and shortbread author, but one of the most innovative and influential novelists ever. People forget that among his contemporary European audience he was probably more popular than Jane Austen, lauded by most from Byron to Goethe, and even Austen begrudgingly recognised Scott's talent. True, his psychology may not be as incisive, but his stories are far more exciting and politically far deeper, and just as affecting.

Whereas Austen's novels are subtle and beautiful, Scott's are epic and sublime. Waverely was the first historical novel in history, as we understand the genre today, and a seminal work that laid the groundwork for most historcal novelists to this day. It has everything: fictional characters arise out of historical possibliity to play their role in significant historical narratives; the action depicts a transitional period and demonsrates the dynamic movement of history and social change; and of course, there is much epic romance and swashbuckling.

Scott shines most in his portrait of the Scottish characters, who are usually far more colourful and exotic than his staple English protagonist. He goes a long way to producing the epic portrayal of an entire historical society over the course of the Waverley novels, and in this the first novel the eponymous character sojourns with the Mac-Ivor clan and eventually fights alongside them at Prestonpans. Along the way the reader is privy to the effects of the transition from feudal to bourgeois society.

Scott's detail is wonderfully evocative and really lends the narrative the spirit of the times. This is a great read, and in spite of the occasional anachronism, the history is thoroughly researched. Scott had the skill and knowledge to paint the broad strokes and pay attention to fine detail in his portrait of mid-18th Century Scotland. A great novel that anyone can enjoy.

Scotts best?, 25 Mar 2003
I'd say this is his best moment. The original historical novel -fictional characters placed into an actual historical landscape, taking part in real historical events - this is set during the jacobite uprising in 1745, where we follow the adventures of Waverly as he travels up into the mystical highlands of Scotland.

I have to confess I'm not a huge fan of Scott, but this is a pretty good read. He is, however, extremely guilty of being very longwinded, describing absolutely everything in minute detail (more so than Dickens), and the narrative can tend to swing off on tangents to tell you things that are really extraneous to, well, anything. In this way it does take quite a few chapters before anything of note actually happens, so you do have to have a high level of endurance, but you are rewarded, as when things kick off, you find you've been so absorbed in the minute characterisation of the main and supporting characters, you do really care what happens to them. PLus, after so many chapters of inaction, when the action happens it's all he more exciting.

If you only read one Scott novel read this one. And chances are you probably won't want to read another, but you will have enjoyed this. honest.

A Fascinating Romance Novel, 20 Nov 2007
During the early 19th century in Great Britain, the Scottish historian Walter Scott wrote this fascinating romance novel of his time. Scott's intention for the novel was in response to the recurring events and activities in Great Britain and to preserve his Scottish heritage and culture. Scott's "Ivanhoe" revealed a story of a Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, who showed courage and heroism, and he became very loyal to the Norman king, Richard the Lionhearted, during the high civil unrest and hatred between the Saxon and Norman people in England. The significant question that is interesting and essential to one's mind from the novel is what purpose does the author Walter Scott had for his readers.

One thing that got me curious is why would Scott entitle his book after one of the minor characters. Ivanhoe was a knight who been tending to his injures throughout the main part of the book but it is not the character himself that is the main focus. Rather, it is what the character Ivanhoe represented in the story, such as his role and his actions as a knight that is significant. Since Ivanhoe became loyal to the Norman King, he portrayed a way for the Saxon people to live in the Norman community without being conquered or harassed by the Norman knights or people and to ease or to get rid of the hatred between the Saxon and the Norman people. The impression that comes to one's mind is that the character Ivanhoe was the only good knight in the novel since other knights seem to be very arrogant, rude, and vile. And he is represented as a best example of chivalry, which Ivanhoe had shown to be the vital spirit of an ideal knight. The reason that the author uses the character of Ivanhoe as a title for his romance novel instead of "The Return of King Richard" or "The Black Night" was to have a character that represented the pure spirit of a loyal knight or to have a character who become a link between the two worlds of the Middle Ages. It seems the author wished to re-establish the link between his native country of Scotland and the Country of England without a complete English domination of Scotland. An idea of "a link of two worlds" that Scott had was to preserve both cultures and to re-confirm the mutual respect of both cultures and their traditions.

During the Romantic period in which Sir Walter Scott had lived, "Ivanhoe" expressed the emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages that brings the readers into the world of unknown and unique. As a historian, Scott possessed a passionate fascination for the past, so he gives a detailed description of the medieval tradition and life in the Middle Ages. The author brings the readers to feel the believable narrative of hatred and tension between the Saxon and the Norman people. The emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages helped the readers of Ivanhoe to "see" the world of knights and thieves and corruption and injustice in which the novel revealed as unpredictable and satisfying to the readers. As a historian, Scott expressed the feeling of life in the Middle Age by using history, chivalry, and the traditions of ancient times.

One of themes in the novel was the civil unrest and the massive tension that were caused by the Norman arrogance, superior feelings, and injustice. Since the Norman people's influence of dominance and superiority spread throughout the land, Saxon people grew angry and felt resentment toward the Norman nobles. While the theme of high tension occurred in the novel, the character Ivanhoe is shown as a solution to end the tension.

As part of the Romantic Movement, Sir Scott used his historical knowledge to create his own fictional novel in which he wished to warn and to entertain his readers. Despite his use of historical inaccuracy in his "Ivanhoe," the author desired to use the famous historical individuals in his story to point out his indirect warning and to entertain his readers. In order to warn his readers about the situation and issues with the government, Scott portrayed the knights and unjust royalty in this book as the English government in Great Britain. He pointed out that they are corrupted and arrogant about preserving their nation and its history. Scott himself knew that learning from history can help the people of 19th century not to make the same mistakes or to have the repeated history of their nation. The impression that one can understand from the novel is that comprehending the history aspect of the book can help the readers to make a judgment or to make a change in the English government in such a way that they will not become corrupted or be power hungry.

The author's use of historical knowledge and wisdom with the indirect applied of warning and entertainment has turned his own fictional novel entitled Ivanhoe into a popular romance book of his time. As a historical romance author and a preserver of his Scottish culture, Sir Walter Scott can be considered admirably and honorably defender of his native country of Scotland during the Romantic period. And, "Ivanhoe" is such a fascinating read.

Ivanhoe: Templar Chivalry & Mystery Live On, 17 Dec 2004
SIR WALTER SCOTT'S IVANHOE is one of the most important literary works of all time. It is at once history and fiction, setting the precedent for all the historical novels that followed it.

Ivanhoe is also of supreme relevance today: who could hope to understand the political & religious tensions of today without knowing something of the ancient tensions between Jews, Christians and Muslims described in Ivanhoe? Who would doubt that the history of the Holy Land is important to every man woman and child on the planet, still feeding the conflicts of our time.

Ivanhoe contains many historical inaccuracies. But in a very real sense it actually adds to the historical record. Many popular perceptions about chivalry, the crusades and other contemporary issues are drawn from this book rather than from the history books. Scott uses his unique imagination and his natural, almost casual deep understanding of history & chivalry to weave a monumental story out of the threads of history, informed speculation and imagination.

Most people's knowledge of the mysterious Knights Templar probably comes from Ivanhoe, perhaps because "historical" information about the order is so scarce. The persecution of the Knights Templar began on Friday the 13th of October 1307 and soon afterwards the Pope disbanded them. But the Order and its principles remained alive. The devoted Knights Templar continued their beloved Order without the Roman Catholic Church, in the cellars and subterranean caves of sympathetic towns in South East England after the Temple's leaders were arrested on Friday the 13th of October 1307. The current, independent Grand Preceptory of the Knights Templar is in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

It is almost seven centuries since the day the Templar order's persecution began but their legacy is alive in the politics and the popular imagination of today. The order recently requested a papal apology for their persecution, timing the request to precede and coincide with the 7th centenary of that fateful day.

Modern popular stories utilise the same powerful Templar mythology, symbolism and timing, to great effect. The Da Vinci Code, now a best-selling book & soon a blockbusting film; the film National Treasure, and other works draw heavily upon the myths and history surrounding the Templars. The influence of Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe cannot be ignored as a key source of imaginative and historical inspiration.

A very enjoyable and surprising read and a classic tale, 20 Jul 2004
For a couple of years after I got my copy of this book, it sat, getting dusty, on my shelf. Having heard great things about this classic novel, I found that every time I tried to start reading it, I would give up after only a few pages, defeated by the style of writing and by the slow beginning to the story.

However, one day I managed to get past the first twenty pages or so, and once I had done so I found myself hooked into this tale of Saxon versus Norman, heroes, battles and castles under siege...

Ivanhoe has been banished from the family home after falling for his father's ward, the Saxon princess Rowena. Ivanhoe's father has plans for Rowena to marry another man, Athelstane, in order to unite the Saxon people and, he hopes, help to make them a force to be reckoned with - capable of taking on the Normans. As the novel begins, Ivanhoe has returned, in disguise, to his homeland, hoping to somehow win Rowena as his bride...

What follows is a genuinely enjoyable story. "Ivanhoe" certainly is not the boring book it is sometimes suggested to be - yep, it was surprising to me, too! There is a tremendous amount of action involved in a fast-moving plot, and the characters - of both sexes, and from all backgrounds, are exceptionally well-drawn. The most prominent woman in the novel, Rebecca, despite being a female character in an historical novel, doesn't just sit around waiting to be rescued etc! - she is strong and intelligent and also very likeable.

"Ivanhoe" is notable as one of the first books written in the English language to deal with the issue of racism and it is very sensitively handled here. The book is also a cracking good read, a novel which surprised me - not only with its scope and depth, but also by how much I enjoyed it once I had given it a chance. I really got caught up in the story and the writing, against my expectations, and for me, it is a 5-star book - entertaining and a true classic.

Ivanhoe, with a little help from his friends, 25 Jun 2004
'Ivanhoe' was a more enjoyable read than I was anticipating. I liked the old English style of language. The book is almost 200 years old and the events recounted in it took place even earlier: a few generations after the Battle of Hastings that was fought in 1066. The Saxons are an oppressed people in this period, under the boot-heel of the Norman invaders and usurpers. It's taking a long time for the two groups to integrate. There's a sharp culture clash. Heroes are needed if justice is to prevail. One would not be enough. Fortunately, there are quite a few around. Ivanhoe spends most of the time between his introduction and the end of the book incapacitated and is hardly referred to at all most of the time. He gets some good heroing done when he's conscious but for the rest of the time his allies have to do the business. He couldn't have accomplished so much without Rebecca, Gurth, Wamba, Cedric, Athelstane, The Black Knight and Locksley and his merry men.

There's more to this tale than just the Saxon/Norman power struggle. Scott paints a picture of racial disharmony with one much maligned people, in particular, receiving rough treatment at the hands of both Saxons and Normans. Even so, Rebecca, a Jewish woman emerges as a heroine - a strong willed, virtuous woman at a time when both her sex and her race were in a vulnerable position. She was accused of witchcraft on the flimsiest of pretexts and her guilt or innocence was not to be decided on anything to do with evidence. It was an age of unbridled prejudice. Scott is critical of the superstition, cruelty and hypocrisy.

So this is not just a romance. It's mainly a tale of politics, religion and derring-do. Scott's writing is witty and the story is engaging. It's a thoroughly enjoyable book. I recommend it.

A good story, 15 Oct 2002
This book is quite simply a good story. The prose is not outstanding, but is simple and elegant and fit for the job allowing for the story to carry you away to a world of Richard the Lion heart, knights templars and fair maidens. Thouroughly enjoyable.

Awful, 19 Nov 2006
I have heard alot of talk about how this book is definitive in modern novels, however I would rather stick to novels that actually speak modern language. Such an old vocabulary is no longer used in modern society, so why praise a terrible book that embraces this?

A defining moment in English Literature, 11 Feb 2006
Scott has to be the most underrated author in the British canon. He is no tartan and shortbread author, but one of the most innovative and influential novelists ever. People forget that among his contemporary European audience he was probably more popular than Jane Austen, lauded by most from Byron to Goethe, and even Austen begrudgingly recognised Scott's talent. True, his psychology may not be as incisive, but his stories are far more exciting and politically far deeper, and just as affecting.

Whereas Austen's novels are subtle and beautiful, Scott's are epic and sublime. Waverely was the first historical novel in history, as we understand the genre today, and a seminal work that laid the groundwork for most historcal novelists to this day. It has everything: fictional characters arise out of historical possibliity to play their role in significant historical narratives; the action depicts a transitional period and demonsrates the dynamic movement of history and social change; and of course, there is much epic romance and swashbuckling.

Scott shines most in his portrait of the Scottish characters, who are usually far more colourful and exotic than his staple English protagonist. He goes a long way to producing the epic portrayal of an entire historical society over the course of the Waverley novels, and in this the first novel the eponymous character sojourns with the Mac-Ivor clan and eventually fights alongside them at Prestonpans. Along the way the reader is privy to the effects of the transition from feudal to bourgeois society.

Scott's detail is wonderfully evocative and really lends the narrative the spirit of the times. This is a great read, and in spite of the occasional anachronism, the history is thoroughly researched. Scott had the skill and knowledge to paint the broad strokes and pay attention to fine detail in his portrait of mid-18th Century Scotland. A great novel that anyone can enjoy.

Scotts best?, 25 Mar 2003
I'd say this is his best moment. The original historical novel -fictional characters placed into an actual historical landscape, taking part in real historical events - this is set during the jacobite uprising in 1745, where we follow the adventures of Waverly as he travels up into the mystical highlands of Scotland.

I have to confess I'm not a huge fan of Scott, but this is a pretty good read. He is, however, extremely guilty of being very longwinded, describing absolutely everything in minute detail (more so than Dickens), and the narrative can tend to swing off on tangents to tell you things that are really extraneous to, well, anything. In this way it does take quite a few chapters before anything of note actually happens, so you do have to have a high level of endurance, but you are rewarded, as when things kick off, you find you've been so absorbed in the minute characterisation of the main and supporting characters, you do really care what happens to them. PLus, after so many chapters of inaction, when the action happens it's all he more exciting.

If you only read one Scott novel read this one. And chances are you probably won't want to read another, but you will have enjoyed this. honest.

A Fascinating Romance Novel, 20 Nov 2007
During the early 19th century in Great Britain, the Scottish historian Walter Scott wrote this fascinating romance novel of his time. Scott's intention for the novel was in response to the recurring events and activities in Great Britain and to preserve his Scottish heritage and culture. Scott's "Ivanhoe" revealed a story of a Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, who showed courage and heroism, and he became very loyal to the Norman king, Richard the Lionhearted, during the high civil unrest and hatred between the Saxon and Norman people in England. The significant question that is interesting and essential to one's mind from the novel is what purpose does the author Walter Scott had for his readers.

One thing that got me curious is why would Scott entitle his book after one of the minor characters. Ivanhoe was a knight who been tending to his injures throughout the main part of the book but it is not the character himself that is the main focus. Rather, it is what the character Ivanhoe represented in the story, such as his role and his actions as a knight that is significant. Since Ivanhoe became loyal to the Norman King, he portrayed a way for the Saxon people to live in the Norman community without being conquered or harassed by the Norman knights or people and to ease or to get rid of the hatred between the Saxon and the Norman people. The impression that comes to one's mind is that the character Ivanhoe was the only good knight in the novel since other knights seem to be very arrogant, rude, and vile. And he is represented as a best example of chivalry, which Ivanhoe had shown to be the vital spirit of an ideal knight. The reason that the author uses the character of Ivanhoe as a title for his romance novel instead of "The Return of King Richard" or "The Black Night" was to have a character that represented the pure spirit of a loyal knight or to have a character who become a link between the two worlds of the Middle Ages. It seems the author wished to re-establish the link between his native country of Scotland and the Country of England without a complete English domination of Scotland. An idea of "a link of two worlds" that Scott had was to preserve both cultures and to re-confirm the mutual respect of both cultures and their traditions.

During the Romantic period in which Sir Walter Scott had lived, "Ivanhoe" expressed the emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages that brings the readers into the world of unknown and unique. As a historian, Scott possessed a passionate fascination for the past, so he gives a detailed description of the medieval tradition and life in the Middle Ages. The author brings the readers to feel the believable narrative of hatred and tension between the Saxon and the Norman people. The emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages helped the readers of Ivanhoe to "see" the world of knights and thieves and corruption and injustice in which the novel revealed as unpredictable and satisfying to the readers. As a historian, Scott expressed the feeling of life in the Middle Age by using history, chivalry, and the traditions of ancient times.

One of themes in the novel was the civil unrest and the massive tension that were caused by the Norman arrogance, superior feelings, and injustice. Since the Norman people's influence of dominance and superiority spread throughout the land, Saxon people grew angry and felt resentment toward the Norman nobles. While the theme of high tension occurred in the novel, the character Ivanhoe is shown as a solution to end the tension.

As part of the Romantic Movement, Sir Scott used his historical knowledge to create his own fictional novel in which he wished to warn and to entertain his readers. Despite his use of historical inaccuracy in his "Ivanhoe," the author desired to use the famous historical individuals in his story to point out his indirect warning and to entertain his readers. In order to warn his readers about the situation and issues with the government, Scott portrayed the knights and unjust royalty in this book as the English government in Great Britain. He pointed out that they are corrupted and arrogant about preserving their nation and its history. Scott himself knew that learning from history can help the people of 19th century not to make the same mistakes or to have the repeated history of their nation. The impression that one can understand from the novel is that comprehending the history aspect of the book can help the readers to make a judgment or to make a change in the English government in such a way that they will not become corrupted or be power hungry.

The author's use of historical knowledge and wisdom with the indirect applied of warning and entertainment has turned his own fictional novel entitled Ivanhoe into a popular romance book of his time. As a historical romance author and a preserver of his Scottish culture, Sir Walter Scott can be considered admirably and honorably defender of his native country of Scotland during the Romantic period. And, "Ivanhoe" is such a fascinating read.

Ivanhoe: Templar Chivalry & Mystery Live On, 17 Dec 2004
SIR WALTER SCOTT'S IVANHOE is one of the most important literary works of all time. It is at once history and fiction, setting the precedent for all the historical novels that followed it.

Ivanhoe is also of supreme relevance today: who could hope to understand the political & religious tensions of today without knowing something of the ancient tensions between Jews, Christians and Muslims described in Ivanhoe? Who would doubt that the history of the Holy Land is important to every man woman and child on the planet, still feeding the conflicts of our time.

Ivanhoe contains many historical inaccuracies. But in a very real sense it actually adds to the historical record. Many popular perceptions about chivalry, the crusades and other contemporary issues are drawn from this book rather than from the history books. Scott uses his unique imagination and his natural, almost casual deep understanding of history & chivalry to weave a monumental story out of the threads of history, informed speculation and imagination.

Most people's knowledge of the mysterious Knights Templar probably comes from Ivanhoe, perhaps because "historical" information about the order is so scarce. The persecution of the Knights Templar began on Friday the 13th of October 1307 and soon afterwards the Pope disbanded them. But the Order and its principles remained alive. The devoted Knights Templar continued their beloved Order without the Roman Catholic Church, in the cellars and subterranean caves of sympathetic towns in South East England after the Temple's leaders were arrested on Friday the 13th of October 1307. The current, independent Grand Preceptory of the Knights Templar is in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

It is almost seven centuries since the day the Templar order's persecution began but their legacy is alive in the politics and the popular imagination of today. The order recently requested a papal apology for their persecution, timing the request to precede and coincide with the 7th centenary of that fateful day.

Modern popular stories utilise the same powerful Templar mythology, symbolism and timing, to great effect. The Da Vinci Code, now a best-selling book & soon a blockbusting film; the film National Treasure, and other works draw heavily upon the myths and history surrounding the Templars. The influence of Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe cannot be ignored as a key source of imaginative and historical inspiration.

A very enjoyable and surprising read and a classic tale, 20 Jul 2004
For a couple of years after I got my copy of this book, it sat, getting dusty, on my shelf. Having heard great things about this classic novel, I found that every time I tried to start reading it, I would give up after only a few pages, defeated by the style of writing and by the slow beginning to the story.

However, one day I managed to get past the first twenty pages or so, and once I had done so I found myself hooked into this tale of Saxon versus Norman, heroes, battles and castles under siege...

Ivanhoe has been banished from the family home after falling for his father's ward, the Saxon princess Rowena. Ivanhoe's father has plans for Rowena to marry another man, Athelstane, in order to unite the Saxon people and, he hopes, help to make them a force to be reckoned with - capable of taking on the Normans. As the novel begins, Ivanhoe has returned, in disguise, to his homeland, hoping to somehow win Rowena as his bride...

What follows is a genuinely enjoyable story. "Ivanhoe" certainly is not the boring book it is sometimes suggested to be - yep, it was surprising to me, too! There is a tremendous amount of action involved in a fast-moving plot, and the characters - of both sexes, and from all backgrounds, are exceptionally well-drawn. The most prominent woman in the novel, Rebecca, despite being a female character in an historical novel, doesn't just sit around waiting to be rescued etc! - she is strong and intelligent and also very likeable.

"Ivanhoe" is notable as one of the first books written in the English language to deal with the issue of racism and it is very sensitively handled here. The book is also a cracking good read, a novel which surprised me - not only with its scope and depth, but also by how much I enjoyed it once I had given it a chance. I really got caught up in the story and the writing, against my expectations, and for me, it is a 5-star book - entertaining and a true classic.

Ivanhoe, with a little help from his friends, 25 Jun 2004
'Ivanhoe' was a more enjoyable read than I was anticipating. I liked the old English style of language. The book is almost 200 years old and the events recounted in it took place even earlier: a few generations after the Battle of Hastings that was fought in 1066. The Saxons are an oppressed people in this period, under the boot-heel of the Norman invaders and usurpers. It's taking a long time for the two groups to integrate. There's a sharp culture clash. Heroes are needed if justice is to prevail. One would not be enough. Fortunately, there are quite a few around. Ivanhoe spends most of the time between his introduction and the end of the book incapacitated and is hardly referred to at all most of the time. He gets some good heroing done when he's conscious but for the rest of the time his allies have to do the business. He couldn't have accomplished so much without Rebecca, Gurth, Wamba, Cedric, Athelstane, The Black Knight and Locksley and his merry men.

There's more to this tale than just the Saxon/Norman power struggle. Scott paints a picture of racial disharmony with one much maligned people, in particular, receiving rough treatment at the hands of both Saxons and Normans. Even so, Rebecca, a Jewish woman emerges as a heroine - a strong willed, virtuous woman at a time when both her sex and her race were in a vulnerable position. She was accused of witchcraft on the flimsiest of pretexts and her guilt or innocence was not to be decided on anything to do with evidence. It was an age of unbridled prejudice. Scott is critical of the superstition, cruelty and hypocrisy.

So this is not just a romance. It's mainly a tale of politics, religion and derring-do. Scott's writing is witty and the story is engaging. It's a thoroughly enjoyable book. I recommend it.

A good story, 15 Oct 2002
This book is quite simply a good story. The prose is not outstanding, but is simple and elegant and fit for the job allowing for the story to carry you away to a world of Richard the Lion heart, knights templars and fair maidens. Thouroughly enjoyable.

A Fascinating Romance Novel, 20 Nov 2007
During the early 19th century in Great Britain, the Scottish historian Walter Scott wrote this fascinating romance novel of his time. Scott's intention for the novel was in response to the recurring events and activities in Great Britain and to preserve his Scottish heritage and culture. Scott's "Ivanhoe" revealed a story of a Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, who showed courage and heroism, and he became very loyal to the Norman king, Richard the Lionhearted, during the high civil unrest and hatred between the Saxon and Norman people in England. The significant question that is interesting and essential to one's mind from the novel is what purpose does the author Walter Scott had for his readers.

One thing that got me curious is why would Scott entitle his book after one of the minor characters. Ivanhoe was a knight who been tending to his injures throughout the main part of the book but it is not the character himself that is the main focus. Rather, it is what the character Ivanhoe represented in the story, such as his role and his actions as a knight that is significant. Since Ivanhoe became loyal to the Norman King, he portrayed a way for the Saxon people to live in the Norman community without being conquered or harassed by the Norman knights or people and to ease or to get rid of the hatred between the Saxon and the Norman people. The impression that comes to one's mind is that the character Ivanhoe was the only good knight in the novel since other knights seem to be very arrogant, rude, and vile. And he is represented as a best example of chivalry, which Ivanhoe had shown to be the vital spirit of an ideal knight. The reason that the author uses the character of Ivanhoe as a title for his romance novel instead of "The Return of King Richard" or "The Black Night" was to have a character that represented the pure spirit of a loyal knight or to have a character who become a link between the two worlds of the Middle Ages. It seems the author wished to re-establish the link between his native country of Scotland and the Country of England without a complete English domination of Scotland. An idea of "a link of two worlds" that Scott had was to preserve both cultures and to re-confirm the mutual respect of both cultures and their traditions.

During the Romantic period in which Sir Walter Scott had lived, "Ivanhoe" expressed the emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages that brings the readers into the world of unknown and unique. As a historian, Scott possessed a passionate fascination for the past, so he gives a detailed description of the medieval tradition and life in the Middle Ages. The author brings the readers to feel the believable narrative of hatred and tension between the Saxon and the Norman people. The emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages helped the readers of Ivanhoe to "see" the world of knights and thieves and corruption and injustice in which the novel revealed as unpredictable and satisfying to the readers. As a historian, Scott expressed the feeling of life in the Middle Age by using history, chivalry, and the traditions of ancient times.

One of themes in the novel was the civil unrest and the massive tension that were caused by the Norman arrogance, superior feelings, and injustice. Since the Norman people's influence of dominance and superiority spread throughout the land, Saxon people grew angry and felt resentment toward the Norman nobles. While the theme of high tension occurred in the novel, the character Ivanhoe is shown as a solution to end the tension.

As part of the Romantic Movement, Sir Scott used his historical knowledge to create his own fictional novel in which he wished to warn and to entertain his readers. Despite his use of historical inaccuracy in his "Ivanhoe," the author desired to use the famous historical individuals in his story to point out his indirect warning and to entertain his readers. In order to warn his readers about the situation and issues with the government, Scott portrayed the knights and unjust royalty in this book as the English government in Great Britain. He pointed out that they are corrupted and arrogant about preserving their nation and its history. Scott himself knew that learning from history can help the people of 19th century not to make the same mistakes or to have the repeated history of their nation. The impression that one can understand from the novel is that comprehending the history aspect of the book can help the readers to make a judgment or to make a change in the English government in such a way that they will not become corrupted or be power hungry.

The author's use of historical knowledge and wisdom with the indirect applied of warning and entertainment has turned his own fictional novel entitled Ivanhoe into a popular romance book of his time. As a historical romance author and a preserver of his Scottish culture, Sir Walter Scott can be considered admirably and honorably defender of his native country of Scotland during the Romantic period. And, "Ivanhoe" is such a fascinating read.

Suspend the Historian, Embrace the 19th Century Romanticist, 20 Dec 2003
Being a mediaevalist by trade I expected "Ivanhoe" to press all the wrong buttons - ludicrous inaccuracies, two-dimensional stock characters and a Disney-esque storyline. So I was pleasantly suprised when I found myself physically incapable of putting it down.

This sudden love affair with "Ivanhoe" (and, as a result, all Walter Scott) is even more surprising given the fact that it is indeed inaccurate, somewhat two-dimensional and very predictable. Yet, it is partly these "faults" that inspired me to enjoy it so much. "Ivanhoe" embodies every child's ideas about the Middle Ages, most of which have now been destroyed, or at least suppressed, by long years of studying it. It is impossible to resist the inherent charm invested in such veritable floods of buckling swash - knights, tournaments, ladies, dark forests, honest outlaws, sieges, hermits, swine-herders, jesters, evil Kings and crusades.

The story arc is incredibly simple: Ivanhoe, banished by his father, Cedric, for falling in love with Cedric's ward Rowena, wins the patronage and friendship of Richard the Lion-Heart on Crusade in the Holy Land. On his return to England, eager to reclaim both his birthright and his fair lady, he is drawn into the struggle between honourable ole' Richard I and his scheming, moustache-twiddling brother John (*boo!*). Then follows tournaments, sieges, intrigues, kidnaps, a mysterious Black Knight in disgiuse, an alliance with Robin Hood (and his merry men, of course), a witch trial and some evil villains (all moustache-twiddling). Add to this a not-so-ascetic hermit with an incredible appetite for pies, a beautiful and sincere Jewess, Rebecca, her rich father Issac and a bundle of memorable Saxon "yeoman" and the stage is set.

Scott eagerly caricatures the mediaeval period, with a self-reflexive understanding of his sources and historical reality. The framing "Dedicatory Epistle" to one Dr. Dry-as-dust alerts the reader to his purpose, which is not to relate historical fact but to create historical myth. This he does with a good helping of satircal humour and deprecation, evoking a parody of both of the mediaeval period and the Romantic period.

Yet, the parody is sincere. Scott understands the main attractions of mediaeval life and yokes them to his purpose, writing a romance which is both exciting and self-critical. Every character and actions is memorable in its ability to overwrite, and reinvoke, ideals already blooming in our minds.

When Scott's London publisher first received the proofs for the first Volume of the novel, he apparently took them to read on his journey from Edinburgh to York. He wrote to his Scottish associate the next day exlaiming: "I read it so anxiously that I did not take any exercise or physical relief at the stages. It is a most extroadinary book." I cannot recommend it higher than that.

Put on your best yeomanly manner and stick with this one, 11 Jun 2002
I recently made my third and final attempt to read this book, which I bought about five years ago. I had got just about as far as I had the last time I tried when I took it to work, where no fewer than three colleagues told me they'd tried to read it but got bored and given up. Out of spite I decided I was going to finish it this time! Once I'd got about a fifth of the way through I was hooked. As long as you can suspend disbelief (you have to do it at the cinema and with any modern thriller and it's much more worth it for the language in this book) it's a faultless story. Heartless but chivalrous villains, beautiful maidens, honest outlaws and downtrodden heroes getting mixed up in robberies, a tournament, kidnap, siege and battle, and with a liberal spreading of the words yeomanly, damsel and sooth. What more could you want from a novel? The greatest characteristic is the way that the story is told in small sections, each leading up to a point, where some characters appear, and then the narrative goes back to join those characters and see how they got there. It's surprisingly effective and yet it isn't repetitive as you might expect. Can't recommend it enough, if you can get past the first few chapters and start to be interested in the characters.

Awful, 19 Nov 2006
I have heard alot of talk about how this book is definitive in modern novels, however I would rather stick to novels that actually speak modern language. Such an old vocabulary is no longer used in modern society, so why praise a terrible book that embraces this?

A defining moment in English Literature, 11 Feb 2006
Scott has to be the most underrated author in the British canon. He is no tartan and shortbread author, but one of the most innovative and influential novelists ever. People forget that among his contemporary European audience he was probably more popular than Jane Austen, lauded by most from Byron to Goethe, and even Austen begrudgingly recognised Scott's talent. True, his psychology may not be as incisive, but his stories are far more exciting and politically far deeper, and just as affecting.

Whereas Austen's novels are subtle and beautiful, Scott's are epic and sublime. Waverely was the first historical novel in history, as we understand the genre today, and a seminal work that laid the groundwork for most historcal novelists to this day. It has everything: fictional characters arise out of historical possibliity to play their role in significant historical narratives; the action depicts a transitional period and demonsrates the dynamic movement of history and social change; and of course, there is much epic romance and swashbuckling.

Scott shines most in his portrait of the Scottish characters, who are usually far more colourful and exotic than his staple English protagonist. He goes a long way to producing the epic portrayal of an entire historical society over the course of the Waverley novels, and in this the first novel the eponymous character sojourns with the Mac-Ivor clan and eventually fights alongside them at Prestonpans. Along the way the reader is privy to the effects of the transition from feudal to bourgeois society.

Scott's detail is wonderfully evocative and really lends the narrative the spirit of the times. This is a great read, and in spite of the occasional anachronism, the history is thoroughly researched. Scott had the skill and knowledge to paint the broad strokes and pay attention to fine detail in his portrait of mid-18th Century Scotland. A great novel that anyone can enjoy.

Scotts best?, 25 Mar 2003
I'd say this is his best moment. The original historical novel -fictional characters placed into an actual historical landscape, taking part in real historical events - this is set during the jacobite uprising in 1745, where we follow the adventures of Waverly as he travels up into the mystical highlands of Scotland.

I have to confess I'm not a huge fan of Scott, but this is a pretty good read. He is, however, extremely guilty of being very longwinded, describing absolutely everything in minute detail (more so than Dickens), and the narrative can tend to swing off on tangents to tell you things that are really extraneous to, well, anything. In this way it does take quite a few chapters before anything of note actually happens, so you do have to have a high level of endurance, but you are rewarded, as when things kick off, you find you've been so absorbed in the minute characterisation of the main and supporting characters, you do really care what happens to them. PLus, after so many chapters of inaction, when the action happens it's all he more exciting.

If you only read one Scott novel read this one. And chances are you probably won't want to read another, but you will have enjoyed this. honest.

A Fascinating Romance Novel, 20 Nov 2007
During the early 19th century in Great Britain, the Scottish historian Walter Scott wrote this fascinating romance novel of his time. Scott's intention for the novel was in response to the recurring events and activities in Great Britain and to preserve his Scottish heritage and culture. Scott's "Ivanhoe" revealed a story of a Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, who showed courage and heroism, and he became very loyal to the Norman king, Richard the Lionhearted, during the high civil unrest and hatred between the Saxon and Norman people in England. The significant question that is interesting and essential to one's mind from the novel is what purpose does the author Walter Scott had for his readers.

One thing that got me curious is why would Scott entitle his book after one of the minor characters. Ivanhoe was a knight who been tending to his injures throughout the main part of the book but it is not the character himself that is the main focus. Rather, it is what the character Ivanhoe represented in the story, such as his role and his actions as a knight that is significant. Since Ivanhoe became loyal to the Norman King, he portrayed a way for the Saxon people to live in the Norman community without being conquered or harassed by the Norman knights or people and to ease or to get rid of the hatred between the Saxon and the Norman people. The impression that comes to one's mind is that the character Ivanhoe was the only good knight in the novel since other knights seem to be very arrogant, rude, and vile. And he is represented as a best example of chivalry, which Ivanhoe had shown to be the vital spirit of an ideal knight. The reason that the author uses the character of Ivanhoe as a title for his romance novel instead of "The Return of King Richard" or "The Black Night" was to have a character that represented the pure spirit of a loyal knight or to have a character who become a link between the two worlds of the Middle Ages. It seems the author wished to re-establish the link between his native country of Scotland and the Country of England without a complete English domination of Scotland. An idea of "a link of two worlds" that Scott had was to preserve both cultures and to re-confirm the mutual respect of both cultures and their traditions.

During the Romantic period in which Sir Walter Scott had lived, "Ivanhoe" expressed the emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages that brings the readers into the world of unknown and unique. As a historian, Scott possessed a passionate fascination for the past, so he gives a detailed description of the medieval tradition and life in the Middle Ages. The author brings the readers to feel the believable narrative of hatred and tension between the Saxon and the Norman people. The emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages helped the readers of Ivanhoe to "see" the world of knights and thieves and corruption and injustice in which the novel revealed as unpredictable and satisfying to the readers. As a historian, Scott expressed the feeling of life in the Middle Age by using history, chivalry, and the traditions of ancient times.

One of themes in the novel was the civil unrest and the massive tension that were caused by the Norman arrogance, superior feelings, and injustice. Since the Norman people's influence of dominance and superiority spread throughout the land, Saxon people grew angry and felt resentment toward the Norman nobles. While the theme of high tension occurred in the novel, the character Ivanhoe is shown as a solution to end the tension.

As part of the Romantic Movement, Sir Scott used his historical knowledge to create his own fictional novel in which he wished to warn and to entertain his readers. Despite his use of historical inaccuracy in his "Ivanhoe," the author desired to use the famous historical individuals in his story to point out his indirect warning and to entertain his readers. In order to warn his readers about the situation and issues with the government, Scott portrayed the knights and unjust royalty in this book as the English government in Great Britain. He pointed out that they are corrupted and arrogant about preserving their nation and its history. Scott himself knew that learning from history can help the people of 19th century not to make the same mistakes or to have the repeated history of their nation. The impression that one can understand from the novel is that comprehending the history aspect of the book can help the readers to make a judgment or to make a change in the English government in such a way that they will not become corrupted or be power hungry.

The author's use of historical knowledge and wisdom with the indirect applied of warning and entertainment has turned his own fictional novel entitled Ivanhoe into a popular romance book of his time. As a historical romance author and a preserver of his Scottish culture, Sir Walter Scott can be considered admirably and honorably defender of his native country of Scotland during the Romantic period. And, "Ivanhoe" is such a fascinating read.

Ivanhoe: Templar Chivalry & Mystery Live On, 17 Dec 2004
SIR WALTER SCOTT'S IVANHOE is one of the most important literary works of all time. It is at once history and fiction, setting the precedent for all the historical novels that followed it.

Ivanhoe is also of supreme relevance today: who could hope to understand the political & religious tensions of today without knowing something of the ancient tensions between Jews, Christians and Muslims described in Ivanhoe? Who would doubt that the history of the Holy Land is important to every man woman and child on the planet, still feeding the conflicts of our time.

Ivanhoe contains many historical inaccuracies. But in a very real sense it actually adds to the historical record. Many popular perceptions about chivalry, the crusades and other contemporary issues are drawn from this book rather than from the history books. Scott uses his unique imagination and his natural, almost casual deep understanding of history & chivalry to weave a monumental story out of the threads of history, informed speculation and imagination.

Most people's knowledge of the mysterious Knights Templar probably comes from Ivanhoe, perhaps because "historical" information about the order is so scarce. The persecution of the Knights Templar began on Friday the 13th of October 1307 and soon afterwards the Pope disbanded them. But the Order and its principles remained alive. The devoted Knights Templar continued their beloved Order without the Roman Catholic Church, in the cellars and subterranean caves of sympathetic towns in South East England after the Temple's leaders were arrested on Friday the 13th of October 1307. The current, independent Grand Preceptory of the Knights Templar is in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

It is almost seven centuries since the day the Templar order's persecution began but their legacy is alive in the politics and the popular imagination of today. The order recently requested a papal apology for their persecution, timing the request to precede and coincide with the 7th centenary of that fateful day.

Modern popular stories utilise the same powerful Templar mythology, symbolism and timing, to great effect. The Da Vinci Code, now a best-selling book & soon a blockbusting film; the film National Treasure, and other works draw heavily upon the myths and history surrounding the Templars. The influence of Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe cannot be ignored as a key source of imaginative and historical inspiration.

A very enjoyable and surprising read and a classic tale, 20 Jul 2004
For a couple of years after I got my copy of this book, it sat, getting dusty, on my shelf. Having heard great things about this classic novel, I found that every time I tried to start reading it, I would give up after only a few pages, defeated by the style of writing and by the slow beginning to the story.

However, one day I managed to get past the first twenty pages or so, and once I had done so I found myself hooked into this tale of Saxon versus Norman, heroes, battles and castles under siege...

Ivanhoe has been banished from the family home after falling for his father's ward, the Saxon princess Rowena. Ivanhoe's father has plans for Rowena to marry another man, Athelstane, in order to unite the Saxon people and, he hopes, help to make them a force to be reckoned with - capable of taking on the Normans. As the novel begins, Ivanhoe has returned, in disguise, to his homeland, hoping to somehow win Rowena as his bride...

What follows is a genuinely enjoyable story. "Ivanhoe" certainly is not the boring book it is sometimes suggested to be - yep, it was surprising to me, too! There is a tremendous amount of action involved in a fast-moving plot, and the characters - of both sexes, and from all backgrounds, are exceptionally well-drawn. The most prominent woman in the novel, Rebecca, despite being a female character in an historical novel, doesn't just sit around waiting to be rescued etc! - she is strong and intelligent and also very likeable.

"Ivanhoe" is notable as one of the first books written in the English language to deal with the issue of racism and it is very sensitively handled here. The book is also a cracking good read, a novel which surprised me - not only with its scope and depth, but also by how much I enjoyed it once I had given it a chance. I really got caught up in the story and the writing, against my expectations, and for me, it is a 5-star book - entertaining and a true classic.

Ivanhoe, with a little help from his friends, 25 Jun 2004
'Ivanhoe' was a more enjoyable read than I was anticipating. I liked the old English style of language. The book is almost 200 years old and the events recounted in it took place even earlier: a few generations after the Battle of Hastings that was fought in 1066. The Saxons are an oppressed people in this period, under the boot-heel of the Norman invaders and usurpers. It's taking a long time for the two groups to integrate. There's a sharp culture clash. Heroes are needed if justice is to prevail. One would not be enough. Fortunately, there are quite a few around. Ivanhoe spends most of the time between his introduction and the end of the book incapacitated and is hardly referred to at all most of the time. He gets some good heroing done when he's conscious but for the rest of the time his allies have to do the business. He couldn't have accomplished so much without Rebecca, Gurth, Wamba, Cedric, Athelstane, The Black Knight and Locksley and his merry men.

There's more to this tale than just the Saxon/Norman power struggle. Scott paints a picture of racial disharmony with one much maligned people, in particular, receiving rough treatment at the hands of both Saxons and Normans. Even so, Rebecca, a Jewish woman emerges as a heroine - a strong willed, virtuous woman at a time when both her sex and her race were in a vulnerable position. She was accused of witchcraft on the flimsiest of pretexts and her guilt or innocence was not to be decided on anything to do with evidence. It was an age of unbridled prejudice. Scott is critical of the superstition, cruelty and hypocrisy.

So this is not just a romance. It's mainly a tale of politics, religion and derring-do. Scott's writing is witty and the story is engaging. It's a thoroughly enjoyable book. I recommend it.

A good story, 15 Oct 2002
This book is quite simply a good story. The prose is not outstanding, but is simple and elegant and fit for the job allowing for the story to carry you away to a world of Richard the Lion heart, knights templars and fair maidens. Thouroughly enjoyable.

A Fascinating Romance Novel, 20 Nov 2007
During the early 19th century in Great Britain, the Scottish historian Walter Scott wrote this fascinating romance novel of his time. Scott's intention for the novel was in response to the recurring events and activities in Great Britain and to preserve his Scottish heritage and culture. Scott's "Ivanhoe" revealed a story of a Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, who showed courage and heroism, and he became very loyal to the Norman king, Richard the Lionhearted, during the high civil unrest and hatred between the Saxon and Norman people in England. The significant question that is interesting and essential to one's mind from the novel is what purpose does the author Walter Scott had for his readers.

One thing that got me curious is why would Scott entitle his book after one of the minor characters. Ivanhoe was a knight who been tending to his injures throughout the main part of the book but it is not the character himself that is the main focus. Rather, it is what the character Ivanhoe represented in the story, such as his role and his actions as a knight that is significant. Since Ivanhoe became loyal to the Norman King, he portrayed a way for the Saxon people to live in the Norman community without being conquered or harassed by the Norman knights or people and to ease or to get rid of the hatred between the Saxon and the Norman people. The impression that comes to one's mind is that the character Ivanhoe was the only good knight in the novel since other knights seem to be very arrogant, rude, and vile. And he is represented as a best example of chivalry, which Ivanhoe had shown to be the vital spirit of an ideal knight. The reason that the author uses the character of Ivanhoe as a title for his romance novel instead of "The Return of King Richard" or "The Black Night" was to have a character that represented the pure spirit of a loyal knight or to have a character who become a link between the two worlds of the Middle Ages. It seems the author wished to re-establish the link between his native country of Scotland and the Country of England without a complete English domination of Scotland. An idea of "a link of two worlds" that Scott had was to preserve both cultures and to re-confirm the mutual respect of both cultures and their traditions.

During the Romantic period in which Sir Walter Scott had lived, "Ivanhoe" expressed the emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages that brings the readers into the world of unknown and unique. As a historian, Scott possessed a passionate fascination for the past, so he gives a detailed description of the medieval tradition and life in the Middle Ages. The author brings the readers to feel the believable narrative of hatred and tension between the Saxon and the Norman people. The emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages helped the readers of Ivanhoe to "see" the world of knights and thieves and corruption and injustice in which the novel revealed as unpredictable and satisfying to the readers. As a historian, Scott expressed the feeling of life in the Middle Age by using history, chivalry, and the traditions of ancient times.

One of themes in the novel was the civil unrest and the massive tension that were caused by the Norman arrogance, superior feelings, and injustice. Since the Norman people's influence of dominance and superiority spread throughout the land, Saxon people grew angry and felt resentment toward the Norman nobles. While the theme of high tension occurred in the novel, the character Ivanhoe is shown as a solution to end the tension.

As part of the Romantic Movement, Sir Scott used his historical knowledge to create his own fictional novel in which he wished to warn and to entertain his readers. Despite his use of historical inaccuracy in his "Ivanhoe," the author desired to use the famous historical individuals in his story to point out his indirect warning and to entertain his readers. In order to warn his readers about the situation and issues with the government, Scott portrayed the knights and unjust royalty in this book as the English government in Great Britain. He pointed out that they are corrupted and arrogant about preserving their nation and its history. Scott himself knew that learning from history can help the people of 19th century not to make the same mistakes or to have the repeated history of their nation. The impression that one can understand from the novel is that comprehending the history aspect of the book can help the readers to make a judgment or to make a change in the English government in such a way that they will not become corrupted or be power hungry.

The author's use of historical knowledge and wisdom with the indirect applied of warning and entertainment has turned his own fictional novel entitled Ivanhoe into a popular romance book of his time. As a historical romance author and a preserver of his Scottish culture, Sir Walter Scott can be considered admirably and honorably defender of his native country of Scotland during the Romantic period. And, "Ivanhoe" is such a fascinating read.

Suspend the Historian, Embrace the 19th Century Romanticist, 20 Dec 2003
Being a mediaevalist by trade I expected "Ivanhoe" to press all the wrong buttons - ludicrous inaccuracies, two-dimensional stock characters and a Disney-esque storyline. So I was pleasantly suprised when I found myself physically incapable of putting it down.

This sudden love affair with "Ivanhoe" (and, as a result, all Walter Scott) is even more surprising given the fact that it is indeed inaccurate, somewhat two-dimensional and very predictable. Yet, it is partly these "faults" that inspired me to enjoy it so much. "Ivanhoe" embodies every child's ideas about the Middle Ages, most of which have now been destroyed, or at least suppressed, by long years of studying it. It is impossible to resist the inherent charm invested in such veritable floods of buckling swash - knights, tournaments, ladies, dark forests, honest outlaws, sieges, hermits, swine-herders, jesters, evil Kings and crusades.

The story arc is incredibly simple: Ivanhoe, banished by his father, Cedric, for falling in love with Cedric's ward Rowena, wins the patronage and friendship of Richard the Lion-Heart on Crusade in the Holy Land. On his return to England, eager to reclaim both his birthright and his fair lady, he is drawn into the struggle between honourable ole' Richard I and his scheming, moustache-twiddling brother John (*boo!*). Then follows tournaments, sieges, intrigues, kidnaps, a mysterious Black Knight in disgiuse, an alliance with Robin Hood (and his merry men, of course), a witch trial and some evil villains (all moustache-twiddling). Add to this a not-so-ascetic hermit with an incredible appetite for pies, a beautiful and sincere Jewess, Rebecca, her rich father Issac and a bundle of memorable Saxon "yeoman" and the stage is set.

Scott eagerly caricatures the mediaeval period, with a self-reflexive understanding of his sources and historical reality. The framing "Dedicatory Epistle" to one Dr. Dry-as-dust alerts the reader to his purpose, which is not to relate historical fact but to create historical myth. This he does with a good helping of satircal humour and deprecation, evoking a parody of both of the mediaeval period and the Romantic period.

Yet, the parody is sincere. Scott understands the main attractions of mediaeval life and yokes them to his purpose, writing a romance which is both exciting and self-critical. Every character and actions is memorable in its ability to overwrite, and reinvoke, ideals already blooming in our minds.

When Scott's London publisher first received the proofs for the first Volume of the novel, he apparently took them to read on his journey from Edinburgh to York. He wrote to his Scottish associate the next day exlaiming: "I read it so anxiously that I did not take any exercise or physical relief at the stages. It is a most extroadinary book." I cannot recommend it higher than that.

Put on your best yeomanly manner and stick with this one, 11 Jun 2002
I recently made my third and final attempt to read this book, which I bought about five years ago. I had got just about as far as I had the last time I tried when I took it to work, where no fewer than three colleagues told me they'd tried to read it but got bored and given up. Out of spite I decided I was going to finish it this time! Once I'd got about a fifth of the way through I was hooked. As long as you can suspend disbelief (you have to do it at the cinema and with any modern thriller and it's much more worth it for the language in this book) it's a faultless story. Heartless but chivalrous villains, beautiful maidens, honest outlaws and downtrodden heroes getting mixed up in robberies, a tournament, kidnap, siege and battle, and with a liberal spreading of the words yeomanly, damsel and sooth. What more could you want from a novel? The greatest characteristic is the way that the story is told in small sections, each leading up to a point, where some characters appear, and then the narrative goes back to join those characters and see how they got there. It's surprisingly effective and yet it isn't repetitive as you might expect. Can't recommend it enough, if you can get past the first few chapters and start to be interested in the characters.

Testament to Verbosity, 31 Jul 2007
The tale of Rob Roy follows Francis Osbaldistone, who rejects the family money making business for poetry. He is effectively disowned in favour of Rashleigh, and sent to the family home in Northumberland. While there he gradually falls in love with Diana Vernon, and uncovers some of the subterfuge of young Rashleigh. Rashleigh sets out to ruin Francis, and his entire family, forcing him to jounrey to the 'Hielands' in order to recruit Robin Macgregor to foil his plot.
But, this story could have been condensed considerably, and not to its detriment. Painfully long descriptions, running onto multiple pages when a paragraph could as easily covered it. But this was not my primary gripe. The biggest problem is with people like Macgregor, and Nicol, who speak with such strong, and antiquated Scottish accents (rendered into text), that you struggle to make head or tail of the conversations.
That said, you always seem to derive something more from a classic, than the run of the mill novels, and this is no different. But in this instance it is merely a sense of achievement for having struggled through such a book.
If you have already seen the film, expect surprises, for Rob Roy, in this, is almost a background character. The plot follows Francis, and Rob does not even appear in his true guise until halfway through the novel, and as such the book could hardly differ more from the dramtisation.

Scott - The Acquired Taste, 22 Jun 2002
Don't get me wrong, I love Nineteenth century fiction, but this novel leaves me bewildered at Scott's reputation. It hasn't travellled well (Austen's vintage is still full-bodied), but accepting the anachronisms, very little works for me. The characters are more stereotyped than a cowboy movie where the bad guys wear black hats. The whole thing felt lumpen and lifeless. I've read Ivanhoe and felt the same. Maybe I like Dumas too much.......

Superb!, 22 Mar 2002
Few men can be credited with inventing an entire genre, but Sir Walter Scott is one of them. His ingenious intertwining of history and fiction created a type of novel that endures to this day.

And in Rob Roy, it is easy to see why. Yet the mechanism of history occupies only a secondary position; it is the young Francis Osbaldistone who occupies centre stage. His colourful adventures unfold in a flurry of action, the narrative stiffened by Scott's wonderful fluency and sublime descriptive powers. Combine this with the suspense and uncertainty surrounding Diana Vernon and Rob Roy in particular, and it would be difficult to imagine a more pleasing novel.

Certainly, Rob Roy is not as exuberant as Scott's other great work, Ivanhoe, but this is of little consequence. The book is an intricate tapestry of romance, adventure and mystery that simply oozes the irresistible charm of a masterpiece.

break through the pain barrier, 05 Dec 2001
Getting into this book means wading through an opening few scenes of London accountancy. It hurts, but it works

Once you have gotten through the early sections you follow the hero northwards, until you find him racing through the highlands and striving for the right to marry the beautiful, enigmatic and sly Di Vernon.

Not essentially a book about Rob Roy, although he does have a leading role. It is about the world of Rob Roy, which is full of brave, adventurous and unpredictable highlanders.

Awful, 19 Nov 2006
I have heard alot of talk about how this book is definitive in modern novels, however I would rather stick to novels that actually speak modern language. Such an old vocabulary is no longer used in modern society, so why praise a terrible book that embraces this?

A defining moment in English Literature, 11 Feb 2006
Scott has to be the most underrated author in the British canon. He is no tartan and shortbread author, but one of the most innovative and influential novelists ever. People forget that among his contemporary European audience he was probably more popular than Jane Austen, lauded by most from Byron to Goethe, and even Austen begrudgingly recognised Scott's talent. True, his psychology may not be as incisive, but his stories are far more exciting and politically far deeper, and just as affecting.

Whereas Austen's novels are subtle and beautiful, Scott's are epic and sublime. Waverely was the first historical novel in history, as we understand the genre today, and a seminal work that laid the groundwork for most historcal novelists to this day. It has everything: fictional characters arise out of historical possibliity to play their role in significant historical narratives; the action depicts a transitional period and demonsrates the dynamic movement of history and social change; and of course, there is much epic romance and swashbuckling.

Scott shines most in his portrait of the Scottish characters, who are usually far more colourful and exotic than his staple English protagonist. He goes a long way to producing the epic portrayal of an entire historical society over the course of the Waverley novels, and in this the first novel the eponymous character sojourns with the Mac-Ivor clan and eventually fights alongside them at Prestonpans. Along the way the reader is privy to the effects of the transition from feudal to bourgeois society.

Scott's detail is wonderfully evocative and really lends the narrative the spirit of the times. This is a great read, and in spite of the occasional anachronism, the history is thoroughly researched. Scott had the skill and knowledge to paint the broad strokes and pay attention to fine detail in his portrait of mid-18th Century Scotland. A great novel that anyone can enjoy.

Scotts best?, 25 Mar 2003
I'd say this is his best moment. The original historical novel -fictional characters placed into an actual historical landscape, taking part in real historical events - this is set during the jacobite uprising in 1745, where we follow the adventures of Waverly as he travels up into the mystical highlands of Scotland.

I have to confess I'm not a huge fan of Scott, but this is a pretty good read. He is, however, extremely guilty of being very longwinded, describing absolutely everything in minute detail (more so than Dickens), and the narrative can tend to swing off on tangents to tell you things that are really extraneous to, well, anything. In this way it does take quite a few chapters before anything of note actually happens, so you do have to have a high level of endurance, but you are rewarded, as when things kick off, you find you've been so absorbed in the minute characterisation of the main and supporting characters, you do really care what happens to them. PLus, after so many chapters of inaction, when the action happens it's all he more exciting.

If you only read one Scott novel read this one. And chances are you probably won't want to read another, but you will have enjoyed this. honest.

A Fascinating Romance Novel, 20 Nov 2007
During the early 19th century in Great Britain, the Scottish historian Walter Scott wrote this fascinating romance novel of his time. Scott's intention for the novel was in response to the recurring events and activities in Great Britain and to preserve his Scottish heritage and culture. Scott's "Ivanhoe" revealed a story of a Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, who showed courage and heroism, and he became very loyal to the Norman king, Richard the Lionhearted, during the high civil unrest and hatred between the Saxon and Norman people in England. The significant question that is interesting and essential to one's mind from the novel is what purpose does the author Walter Scott had for his readers.

One thing that got me curious is why would Scott entitle his book after one of the minor characters. Ivanhoe was a knight who been tending to his injures throughout the main part of the book but it is not the character himself that is the main focus. Rather, it is what the character Ivanhoe represented in the story, such as his role and his actions as a knight that is significant. Since Ivanhoe became loyal to the Norman King, he portrayed a way for the Saxon people to live in the Norman community without being conquered or harassed by the Norman knights or people and to ease or to get rid of the hatred between the Saxon and the Norman people. The impression that comes to one's mind is that the character Ivanhoe was the only good knight in the novel since other knights seem to be very arrogant, rude, and vile. And he is represented as a best example of chivalry, which Ivanhoe had shown to be the vital spirit of an ideal knight. The reason that the author uses the character of Ivanhoe as a title for his romance novel instead of "The Return of King Richard" or "The Black Night" was to have a character that represented the pure spirit of a loyal knight or to have a character who become a link between the two worlds of the Middle Ages. It seems the author wished to re-establish the link between his native country of Scotland and the Country of England without a complete English domination of Scotland. An idea of "a link of two worlds" that Scott had was to preserve both cultures and to re-confirm the mutual respect of both cultures and their traditions.

During the Romantic period in which Sir Walter Scott had lived, "Ivanhoe" expressed the emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages that brings the readers into the world of unknown and unique. As a historian, Scott possessed a passionate fascination for the past, so he gives a detailed description of the medieval tradition and life in the Middle Ages. The author brings the readers to feel the believable narrative of hatred and tension between the Saxon and the Norman people. The emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages helped the readers of Ivanhoe to "see" the world of knights and thieves and corruption and injustice in which the novel revealed as unpredictable and satisfying to the readers. As a historian, Scott expressed the feeling of life in the Middle Age by using history, chivalry, and the traditions of ancient times.

One of themes in the novel was the civil unrest and the massive tension that were caused by the Norman arrogance, superior feelings, and injustice. Since the Norman people's influence of dominance and superiority spread throughout the land, Saxon people grew angry and felt resentment toward the Norman nobles. While the theme of high tension occurred in the novel, the character Ivanhoe is shown as a solution to end the tension.

As part of the Romantic Movement, Sir Scott used his historical knowledge to create his own fictional novel in which he wished to warn and to entertain his readers. Despite his use of historical inaccuracy in his "Ivanhoe," the author desired to use the famous historical individuals in his story to point out his indirect warning and to entertain his readers. In order to warn his readers about the situation and issues with the government, Scott portrayed the knights and unjust royalty in this book as the English government in Great Britain. He pointed out that they are corrupted and arrogant about preserving their nation and its history. Scott himself knew that learning from history can help the people of 19th century not to make the same mistakes or to have the repeated history of their nation. The impression that one can understand from the novel is that comprehending the history aspect of the book can help the readers to make a judgment or to make a change in the English government in such a way that they will not become corrupted or be power hungry.

The author's use of historical knowledge and wisdom with the indirect applied of warning and entertainment has turned his own fictional novel entitled Ivanhoe into a popular romance book of his time. As a historical romance author and a preserver of his Scottish culture, Sir Walter Scott can be considered admirably and honorably defender of his native country of Scotland during the Romantic period. And, "Ivanhoe" is such a fascinating read.

Ivanhoe: Templar Chivalry & Mystery Live On, 17 Dec 2004
SIR WALTER SCOTT'S IVANHOE is one of the most important literary works of all time. It is at once history and fiction, setting the precedent for all the historical novels that followed it.

Ivanhoe is also of supreme relevance today: who could hope to understand the political & religious tensions of today without knowing something of the ancient tensions between Jews, Christians and Muslims described in Ivanhoe? Who would doubt that the history of the Holy Land is important to every man woman and child on the planet, still feeding the conflicts of our time.

Ivanhoe contains many historical inaccuracies. But in a very real sense it actually adds to the historical record. Many popular perceptions about chivalry, the crusades and other contemporary issues are drawn from this book rather than from the history books. Scott uses his unique imagination and his natural, almost casual deep understanding of history & chivalry to weave a monumental story out of the threads of history, informed speculation and imagination.

Most people's knowledge of the mysterious Knights Templar probably comes from Ivanhoe, perhaps because "historical" information about the order is so scarce. The persecution of the Knights Templar began on Friday the 13th of October 1307 and soon afterwards the Pope disbanded them. But the Order and its principles remained alive. The devoted Knights Templar continued their beloved Order without the Roman Catholic Church, in the cellars and subterranean caves of sympathetic towns in South East England after the Temple's leaders were arrested on Friday the 13th of October 1307. The current, independent Grand Preceptory of the Knights Templar is in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

It is almost seven centuries since the day the Templar order's persecution began but their legacy is alive in the politics and the popular imagination of today. The order recently requested a papal apology for their persecution, timing the request to precede and coincide with the 7th centenary of that fateful day.

Modern popular stories utilise the same powerful Templar mythology, symbolism and timing, to great effect. The Da Vinci Code, now a best-selling book & soon a blockbusting film; the film National Treasure, and other works draw heavily upon the myths and history surrounding the Templars. The influence of Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe cannot be ignored as a key source of imaginative and historical inspiration.

A very enjoyable and surprising read and a classic tale, 20 Jul 2004
For a couple of years after I got my copy of this book, it sat, getting dusty, on my shelf. Having heard great things about this classic novel, I found that every time I tried to start reading it, I would give up after only a few pages, defeated by the style of writing and by the slow beginning to the story.

However, one day I managed to get past the first twenty pages or so, and once I had done so I found myself hooked into this tale of Saxon versus Norman, heroes, battles and castles under siege...

Ivanhoe has been banished from the family home after falling for his father's ward, the Saxon princess Rowena. Ivanhoe's father has plans for Rowena to marry another man, Athelstane, in order to unite the Saxon people and, he hopes, help to make them a force to be reckoned with - capable of taking on the Normans. As the novel begins, Ivanhoe has returned, in disguise, to his homeland, hoping to somehow win Rowena as his bride...

What follows is a genuinely enjoyable story. "Ivanhoe" certainly is not the boring book it is sometimes suggested to be - yep, it was surprising to me, too! There is a tremendous amount of action involved in a fast-moving plot, and the characters - of both sexes, and from all backgrounds, are exceptionally well-drawn. The most prominent woman in the novel, Rebecca, despite being a female character in an historical novel, doesn't just sit around waiting to be rescued etc! - she is strong and intelligent and also very likeable.

"Ivanhoe" is notable as one of the first books written in the English language to deal with the issue of racism and it is very sensitively handled here. The book is also a cracking good read, a novel which surprised me - not only with its scope and depth, but also by how much I enjoyed it once I had given it a chance. I really got caught up in the story and the writing, against my expectations, and for me, it is a 5-star book - entertaining and a true classic.

Ivanhoe, with a little help from his friends, 25 Jun 2004
'Ivanhoe' was a more enjoyable read than I was anticipating. I liked the old English style of language. The book is almost 200 years old and the events recounted in it took place even earlier: a few generations after the Battle of Hastings that was fought in 1066. The Saxons are an oppressed people in this period, under the boot-heel of the Norman invaders and usurpers. It's taking a long time for the two groups to integrate. There's a sharp culture clash. Heroes are needed if justice is to prevail. One would not be enough. Fortunately, there are quite a few around. Ivanhoe spends most of the time between his introduction and the end of the book incapacitated and is hardly referred to at all most of the time. He gets some good heroing done when he's conscious but for the rest of the time his allies have to do the business. He couldn't have accomplished so much without Rebecca, Gurth, Wamba, Cedric, Athelstane, The Black Knight and Locksley and his merry men.

There's more to this tale than just the Saxon/Norman power struggle. Scott paints a picture of racial disharmony with one much maligned people, in particular, receiving rough treatment at the hands of both Saxons and Normans. Even so, Rebecca, a Jewish woman emerges as a heroine - a strong willed, virtuous woman at a time when both her sex and her race were in a vulnerable position. She was accused of witchcraft on the flimsiest of pretexts and her guilt or innocence was not to be decided on anything to do with evidence. It was an age of unbridled prejudice. Scott is critical of the superstition, cruelty and hypocrisy.

So this is not just a romance. It's mainly a tale of politics, religion and derring-do. Scott's writing is witty and the story is engaging. It's a thoroughly enjoyable book. I recommend it.

A good story, 15 Oct 2002
This book is quite simply a good story. The prose is not outstanding, but is simple and elegant and fit for the job allowing for the story to carry you away to a world of Richard the Lion heart, knights templars and fair maidens. Thouroughly enjoyable.

A Fascinating Romance Novel, 20 Nov 2007
During the early 19th century in Great Britain, the Scottish historian Walter Scott wrote this fascinating romance novel of his time. Scott's intention for the novel was in response to the recurring events and activities in Great Britain and to preserve his Scottish heritage and culture. Scott's "Ivanhoe" revealed a story of a Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, who showed courage and heroism, and he became very loyal to the Norman king, Richard the Lionhearted, during the high civil unrest and hatred between the Saxon and Norman people in England. The significant question that is interesting and essential to one's mind from the novel is what purpose does the author Walter Scott had for his readers.

One thing that got me curious is why would Scott entitle his book after one of the minor characters. Ivanhoe was a knight who been tending to his injures throughout the main part of the book but it is not the character himself that is the main focus. Rather, it is what the character Ivanhoe represented in the story, such as his role and his actions as a knight that is significant. Since Ivanhoe became loyal to the Norman King, he portrayed a way for the Saxon people to live in the Norman community without being conquered or harassed by the Norman knights or people and to ease or to get rid of the hatred between the Saxon and the Norman people. The impression that comes to one's mind is that the character Ivanhoe was the only good knight in the novel since other knights seem to be very arrogant, rude, and vile. And he is represented as a best example of chivalry, which Ivanhoe had shown to be the vital spirit of an ideal knight. The reason that the author uses the character of Ivanhoe as a title for his romance novel instead of "The Return of King Richard" or "The Black Night" was to have a character that represented the pure spirit of a loyal knight or to have a character who become a link between the two worlds of the Middle Ages. It seems the author wished to re-establish the link between his native country of Scotland and the Country of England without a complete English domination of Scotland. An idea of "a link of two worlds" that Scott had was to preserve both cultures and to re-confirm the mutual respect of both cultures and their traditions.

During the Romantic period in which Sir Walter Scott had lived, "Ivanhoe" expressed the emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages that brings the readers into the world of unknown and unique. As a historian, Scott possessed a passionate fascination for the past, so he gives a detailed description of the medieval tradition and life in the Middle Ages. The author brings the readers to feel the believable narrative of hatred and tension between the Saxon and the Norman people. The emotions and the moods of the Middle Ages helped the readers of Ivanhoe to "see" the world of knights and thieves and corruption and injustice in which the novel revealed as unpredictable and satisfying to the readers. As a historian, Scott expressed the feeling of life in the Middle Age by using history, chivalry, and the traditions of ancient times.

One of themes in the novel was the civil unrest and the massive tension that were caused by the Norman arrogance, superior feelings, and injustice. Since the Norman people's influence of dominance and superiority spread throughout the land, Saxon people grew angry and felt resentment toward the Norman nobles. While the theme of high tension occurred in the novel, the character Ivanhoe is shown as a solution to end the tension.

As part of the Romantic Movement, Sir Scott used his historical knowledge to create his own fictional novel in which he wished to warn and to entertain his readers. Despite his use of historical inaccuracy in his "Ivanhoe," the author desired to use the famous historical individuals in his story to point out his indirect warning and to entertain his readers. In order to warn his readers about the situation and issues with the government, Scott portrayed the knights and unjust royalty in this book as the English government in Great Britain. He pointed out that they are corrupted and arrogant about preserving their nation and its history. Scott himself knew that learning from history can help the people of 19th century not to make the same mistakes or to have the repeated history of their nation. The impression that one can understand from the novel is that comprehending the history aspect of the book can help the readers to make a judgment or to make a change in the English government in such a way that they will not become corrupted or be power hungry.

The author's use of historical knowledge and wisdom with the indirect applied of warning and entertainment has turned his own fictional novel entitled Ivanhoe into a popular romance book of his time. As a historical romance author and a preserver of his Scottish culture, Sir Walter Scott can be considered admirably and honorably defender of his native country of Scotland during the Romantic period. And, "Ivanhoe" is such a fascinating read.

Suspend the Historian, Embrace the 19th Century Romanticist, 20 Dec 2003
Being a mediaevalist by trade I expected "Ivanhoe" to press all the wrong buttons - ludicrous inaccuracies, two-dimensional stock characters and a Disney-esque storyline. So I was pleasantly suprised when I found myself physically incapable of putting it down.

This sudden love affair with "Ivanhoe" (and, as a result, all Walter Scott) is even more surprising given the fact that it is indeed inaccurate, somewhat two-dimensional and very predictable. Yet, it is partly these "faults" that inspired me to enjoy it so much. "Ivanhoe" embodies every child's ideas about the Middle Ages, most of which have now been destroyed, or at least suppressed, by long years of studying it. It is impossible to resist the inherent charm invested in such veritable floods of buckling swash - knights, tournaments, ladies, dark forests, honest outlaws, sieges, hermits, swine-herders, jesters, evil Kings and crusades.

The story arc is incredibly simple: Ivanhoe, banished by his father, Cedric, for falling in love with Cedric's ward Rowena, wins the patronage and friendship of Richard the Lion-Heart on Crusade in the Holy Land. On his return to England, eager to reclaim both his birthright and his fair lady, he is drawn into the struggle between honourable ole' Richard I and his scheming, moustache-twiddling brother John (*boo!*). Then follows tournaments, sieges, intrigues, kidnaps, a mysterious Black Knight in disgiuse, an alliance with Robin Hood (and his merry men, of course), a witch trial and some evil villains (all moustache-twiddling). Add to this a not-so-ascetic hermit with an incredible appetite for pies, a beautiful and sincere Jewess, Rebecca, her rich father Issac and a bundle of memorable Saxon "yeoman" and the stage is set.

Scott eagerly caricatures the mediaeval period, with a self-reflexive understanding of his sources and historical reality. The framing "Dedicatory Epistle" to one Dr. Dry-as-dust alerts the reader to his purpose, which is not to relate historical fact but to create historical myth. This he does with a good helping of satircal humour and deprecation, evoking a parody of both of the mediaeval period and the Romantic period.

Yet, the parody is sincere. Scott understands the main attractions of mediaeval life and yokes them to his purpose, writing a romance which is both exciting and self-critical. Every character and actions is memorable in its ability to overwrite, and reinvoke, ideals already blooming in our minds.

When Scott's London publisher first received the proofs for the first Volume of the novel, he apparently took them to read on his journey from Edinburgh to York. He wrote to his Scottish associate the next day exlaiming: "I read it so anxiously that I did not take any exercise or physical relief at the stages. It is a most extroadinary book." I cannot recommend it higher than that.

Put on your best yeomanly manner and stick with this one, 11 Jun 2002
I recently made my third and final attempt to read this book, which I bought about five years ago. I had got just about as far as I had the last time I tried when I took it to work, where no fewer than three colleagues told me they'd tried to read it but got bored and given up. Out of spite I decided I was going to finish it this time! Once I'd got about a fifth of the way through I was hooked. As long as you can suspend disbelief (you have to do it at the cinema and with any modern thriller and it's much more worth it for the language in this book) it's a faultless story. Heartless but chivalrous villains, beautiful maidens, honest outlaws and downtrodden heroes getting mixed up in robberies, a tournament, kidnap, siege and battle, and with a liberal spreading of the words yeomanly, damsel and sooth. What more could you want from a novel? The greatest characteristic is the way that the story is told in small sections, each leading up to a point, where some characters appear, and then the narrative goes back to join those characters and see how they got there. It's surprisingly effective and yet it isn't repetitive as you might expect. Can't recommend it enough, if you can get past the first few chapters and start to be interested in the characters.

Testament to Verbosity, 31 Jul 2007
The tale of Rob Roy follows Francis Osbaldistone, who rejects the family money making business for poetry. He is effectively disowned in favour of Rashleigh, and sent to the family home in Northumberland. While there he gradually falls in love with Diana Vernon, and uncovers some of the subterfuge of young Rashleigh. Rashleigh sets out to ruin Francis, and his entire family, forcing him to jounrey to the 'Hielands' in order to recruit Robin Macgregor to foil his plot.
But, this story could have been condensed considerably, and not to its detriment. Painfully long descriptions, running onto multiple pages when a paragraph could as easily covered it. But this was not my primary gripe. The biggest problem is with people like Macgregor, and Nicol, who speak with such strong, and antiquated Scottish accents (rendered into text), that you struggle to make head or tail of the conversations.
That said, you always seem to derive something more from a classic, than the run of the mill novels, and this is no different. But in this instance it is merely a sense of achievement for having struggled through such a book.
If you have already seen the film, expect surprises, for Rob Roy, in this, is almost a background character. The plot follows Francis, and Rob does not even appear in his true guise until halfway through the novel, and as such the book could hardly differ more from the dramtisation.

Scott - The Acquired Taste, 22 Jun 2002
Don't get me wrong, I love Nineteenth century fiction, but this novel leaves me bewildered at Scott's reputation. It hasn't travellled well (Austen's vintage is still full-bodied), but accepting the anachronisms, very little works for me. The characters are more stereotyped than a cowboy movie where the bad guys wear black hats. The whole thing felt lumpen and lifeless. I've read Ivanhoe and felt the same. Maybe I like Dumas too much.......

Superb!, 22 Mar 2002
Few men can be credited with inventing an entire genre, but Sir Walter Scott is one of them. His ingenious intertwining of history and fiction created a type of novel that endures to this day.

And in Rob Roy, it is easy to see why. Yet the mechanism of history occupies only a secondary position; it is the young Francis Osbaldistone who occupies centre stage. His colourful adventures unfold in a flurry of action, the narrative stiffened by Scott's wonderful fluency and sublime descriptive powers. Combine this with the suspense and uncertainty surrounding Diana Vernon and Rob Roy in particular, and it would be difficult to imagine a more pleasing novel.

Certainly, Rob Roy is not as exuberant as Scott's other great work, Ivanhoe, but this is of little consequence. The book is an intricate tapestry of romance, adventure and mystery that simply oozes the irresistible charm of a masterpiece.

break through the pain barrier, 05 Dec 2001
Getting into this book means wading through an opening few scenes of London accountancy. It hurts, but it works

Once you have gotten through the early sections you follow the hero northwards, until you find him racing through the highlands and striving for the right to marry the beautiful, enigmatic and sly Di Vernon.

Not essentially a book about Rob Roy, although he does have a leading role. It is about the world of Rob Roy, which is full of brave, adventurous and unpredictable highlanders.

A pleasure to read, 16 Jun 2008
Ivanhoe by Walter Scott, is set in England during the reign of King Richard , who is away on the Crusades to the Holy Land , leaving the administration of the country to his scheming brother , John , and his corrupt court cronies like Waldemar Fitzurse , Malvoisin and Front-de-Bouef.
Meanwhile a mysterious Disinherited Knight, aided by another anonymous Knight in black amour (Le Noir Fainéant) defeats all of King John's favorite knights at the jousting tournament at Ashby.
The challenger is revealed as Wilfred of Ivanhoe, the disinherited son of the Saxon nobleman, Cedric, who is the beloved of his father's charge, the comely Rowena.
The character who was for me, the most interesting, was the beautiful `black eyed' Jewish beauty, Rebecca, the daughter of the merchant Isaac of York. Compassionate and yet fiery, humble yet proud, sensual and yet modest, it is not hard to understand the passion for her felt by the Knight Templar, Brian De-Bois Gilbert. She and her father must try to survive in a violently anti-Semitic society, in which they are rendered defenseless, as members of a humbled nation. Rebecca, faced with a horrific fate, refuses to renounce her faith, right until the end. In a sense she represents the Jewish Nation, or the Nation of Israel, right through the exile (Galut), and also today as the international community unjustly pillories the Jewish State, and plots her destruction.

Rebecca thus says during her trial by the order of Knights Templars: " ` To invoke your pity' said the lovely Jewess, with a voice tremulous with emotion `would I am be aware, , be as useless as I should hold it mean...Nor will I even vindicate myself at the expense of the oppressor which seem to convert the tyrant into the victim."

So you see how timeless words of wisdom can be.

Also thrown into the book are Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and the witty Jester Wamba . A quotable quote from Wamba from Wamba is " To restrain them by their sense of humanity is the same as to stop a runaway horse with a bridle of silk thread.

The book is a pleasure to read. As Herbert Strang wrote in an early 20th century edition of Ivanhoe: "In introducing this great story to a new generation of boys and girls, I find myself wishing that I too, where about to read Ivanhoe for the first time"

After having read Ivanhoe , I can understand exactly why he wrote that.



A Fascinating Romance Novel, 20 Nov 2007
During the early 19th century in Great Britain, the Scottish historian Walter Scott wrote this fascinating romance novel of his time. Scott's intention for the novel was in response to the recurring events and activities in Great Britain and to preserve his Scottish heritage and culture. Scott's "Ivanhoe" revealed a story of a Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, who showed courage and heroism, and he became very loyal to the Norman king, Richard the Lionhearted, during the high civil unrest and hatred between the Saxon and Norman people in England. The significant question that is interesting and essential to one's mind from the novel is what purpose does the author Walter Scott had for his readers.

One thing that got me curious is why would Scott entitle his book after one of the minor characters. Ivanhoe was a knight who been tending to his injures throughout the main part of the book but it is not the character himself that is the main focus. Rather, it is what the character Ivanhoe represented in the story, such as his role and his actions as a knight that is significant. Since Ivanhoe became loyal to the Norman King, he portrayed a way for the Saxon people to live in the Norman community without being conquered or harassed by the Norman knights or people and to ease or to get rid of the hatred between the Saxon and the Norman people. The impression that comes to one's mind is that the character Ivanhoe was the only good knight in the novel since other knights seem to be very arrogant, rude, and vile. And he is represented as a best example of chivalry, which Ivanhoe had shown to be the vital spirit of an ideal knight. The reason that the author uses the character of Ivanhoe as a title for his romance novel instead of "The Return of King Richard" or "The Black Night" was to have a character that represented the pure spirit of a loyal knight or to have a character who become a link between the two worlds of the Middle Ages. It seems the author wished to re-establish the link between his native country of Scotland and the Country of England without a complete English domination of Scotland. An idea of "a link of two worlds" that Scott had was to preserve both cultures and to re-confirm the mutual respect of both cultures and their tr