Scott’s most beloved and exciting adventure, Ivanhoe is a vivid recreation of Norman-Saxon conflict in 12th century England. Framing a royal myth of national cultural identity and drawing on the conventions of Gothic fiction with its risky and racial themes, Scott has skilfully explored the violent origins and limits of English nationhood. After returning from the Third Crusade, Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe claims his inheritance and the love of Rowena. His heroic adventures involve him in a war against John, a malignant brother of Richard with whom he has allied. The struggle brings Ivanhoe into an alliance with the infamous Robin Hood and he has to save the sensual Rebecca who also falls in love with him.
A purveyor of sensation and entertainment, this historical fiction is an engrossing trip into a vanished world. No lover of fiction would afford to miss this classic that is marked for its fascinating characters and situations, suspense, dark deeds, sword play, humour and pathos, and of course, rich romantic story of star-crossed lovers.