Sir Walter Scott

The great historical romance by Sir Walter Scott giving reality to twelfth-century England. The story of the disinherited Knight Ivanhoe and the fair Lady Rowena.

After meeting during their travels, William Lovel, a young man, and Oldbuck, an antiquary, become good friends. Bonded over their shared interests, Lovel is very intrigued by Oldbuck's collections, particularly by the elder man's latest find, an ancient book about Roman ruins. Impressed by the young man's manners and intelligence, Oldbuck invites Lovel to meet some of his influential friends, including a wealthy man named Sir Arthur Wardour. While...

When King Richard the Lionheart's health began to decline, the English leader organized a truce with the leader of the Islamic forces, Saladin. Agreeing to cease the battles on the condition that Jerusalem would be under Muslim control, the two leaders gave orders to their troops to return to their homes. However, Sir Kenneth, a Scottish knight, was in the search of a certain monk rather than his home when he encounters Emir, a cavalryman for Saladin's...

Set in the 16th century when Elizabeth I ruled England, and her cousin, Mary, ruled Scotland, The Monastery depicts the religious tension and restlessness that existed along Scotland's border. While Elizabeth ruled with her Anglican beliefs, Mary was a Catholic, and with much of their culture intermixing, this sowed unrest. While this feud between the Catholic church and the Anglican heretical church rages on, two families, the Glendenning's and the...

Robert Dudley, the first Earl of Leicester, is happy with his wife, Amy Robsart, but will not let her tell anyone that they are married. Even though they both love each other, Robert values power and popularity much more than he values his wife. After secluding Amy in a house called Cumnor Hall with the help of his henchman, Varney, Robert entertains the idea of marrying Queen Elizabeth I. Fueled by desire for the power of the throne, Robert hides...

In ill health following a stroke, Sir Walter Scott wrote 'Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft' at the behest of his son-in-law, J. G. Lockhart, who worked for a publishing firm. The book proved popular and Scott was paid six hundred pounds, which he desperately needed. (Despite his success as a novelist, Scott was almost ruined when the Ballantyne publishing firm, where he was a partner, went bankrupt in 1826.) 'Letters' was written when educated...

The Betrothed is the first of two Tales of the Crusaders. The action takes place in the Welsh Marches during the latter part of the reign of Henry II, after 1187. Eveline, the 16-year-old daughter of Sir Raymond Berenger, is rescued from a Welsh siege by the forces of Damian Lacy. She is betrothed to his uncle, Sir Hugo, who leaves on a crusade. Rebels led by Ranald Lacy attempt to kidnap her, and Damian fights them off, but a confused sequence of...

Quentin Durward, an archer and mercenary, gains the favor of Louis XI of France and the love of the beautiful Burgundian heiress, Isabelle de Croye. This is a captivating tale full of action, adventure and unexpected challenge. A poor Scotsman named Quentin Durward travels to France to find military work. He joins the royal party of King Louis XI, who is at odds with Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. When the king is attacked by a boar, Quentin...

Nigel Olifaunt, a Scottish nobleman, travels to England to collect a debt on his late father's behalf, but is ultimately met with deception and disappointment. The Fortunes of Nigel is one man's tumultuous journey to keep what's rightfully his. Following his father's death, Nigel Olifaunt leaves his native Scotland for London, England. He plans to meet with King James VI to recoup the money his family originally lent to the crown. Despite a legitimate...

This edition includes a modern introduction and a list of suggested further reading. "Everything belonging to the Highlands of Scotland has of late become peculiarly interesting. It is not much above half a century since it was otherwise."-Sir Walter Scott Sir Walter Scott placed the Scottish Highlands on the map of popular tourist destinations. This timeworn work-consisting of the 1816 essay "Manners, Customs and History of the Highlanders of Scotland"...