Author Description
More than a century after the Norman Conquest, England remains a colony of foreign warlords. The dissolute Prince John plots to seize his brother's crown, his barons terrorize the country, and the mysterious outlaw Robin Hood haunts the ancient greenwood. The secret return of King Richard and the disinherited Saxon knight, Ivanhoe, heralds the start of a splendid and tumultuous romance, featuring the tournament at Ashby-de-la-Zouche, the siege of Torquilstone, and the clash of wills between the wicked Templar Bois-Guilbert and the sublime Jewess Rebecca. In Ivanhoe Scott fashioned an imperial myth of national cultural identity that has shaped the popular imagination ever since its first appearance at the end of 1819. The most famous of Scottish novelists drew on the conventions of Gothic fiction, including its risky sexual and racial themes, to explore the violent origins and limits of English nationality. This edition uses the 1830 Magnum Opus text, corrected against the Interleaved Set, and incorporates readings from Scott's manuscript. The introduction examines the originality and cultural importance of Ivanhoe, and draws on current work by historians and cultural critics. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
The return of the disinherited knight Ivanhoe to a fractured England sets in motion a high-stakes struggle for the throne and the preservation of Saxon identity. Wilfred of Ivanhoe seeks to reclaim his birthright and honor while navigating the volatile political landscape of 12th-century England. He faces opposition from the ambitious Prince John and his Norman allies, who seek to consolidate power through violence and intimidation. The narrative follows a third-person perspective, weaving together the fates of historical figures and fictional characters amidst the backdrop of the Crusades and internal civil strife. The world is defined by rigid social hierarchies, religious tension, and the looming threat of total political collapse.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Detailed depictions of medieval chivalry and tournament culture
- Exploration of the cultural divide between Saxon and Norman populations
- Integration of legendary figures such as Robin Hood
- Use of Gothic literary conventions to heighten tension
- Complex character dynamics involving religious and racial prejudice
- Large-scale battle sequences and siege warfare
- Focus on themes of national identity and political legitimacy
- Extensive historical research incorporated into the narrative framework
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently discuss the novel as a foundational text that established the modern historical romance genre. Discussion often centers on Scott's ability to balance grand political maneuvering with the personal stakes of his central characters. Many highlight the effectiveness of the atmosphere, noting how the author utilizes the tension between different cultural groups to drive the narrative forward. While some modern readers find the prose style dense, it is widely recognized for its influence on the popular imagination regarding the medieval period. The work remains a subject of study for its exploration of national identity and the violent origins of the English state.
Page Count:
625
Publication Date:
1998-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191611115
ISBN-13:
9780191611117
Romance
Adventure
Historical
English
Medieval
classic
English & College Success