Ivanhoe: A Romance
1819
Walter Scott invented the historical novel, and Ivanhoe remains his most dazzling proof of concept. Set in twelfth-century England during King Richard's absence, the novel follows the disinherited Saxon knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who returns from the Crusades to find his people subjugated and his beloved Rowena promised to another. Through tournaments, crusades, and a simmering conflict between Saxon thanes and Norman overlords, Scott weaves a tale of honor among thieves, forbidden love across class lines, and one man's quest to reclaim his birthright. The novel pulses with the clash of civilizations, the romance of chivalry, and the brutal reality of medieval serfdom. It is at once a sweeping adventure and a meditation on belonging, identity, and what it means to be English when England itself is still being forged.
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“For he that does good, having the unlimited power to do evil, deserves praise not only for the good which he performs, but for the evil which he forbears.””
— Walter Scott
“We are like the herb which flourisheth most when trampled upon””
— Walter Scott
“I have heard men talk about the blessings of freedom," he said to himself, "but I wish any wise man would teach me what use to make of it now that I have it.””
— Walter Scott
“Silence, maiden; thy tongue outruns thy discretion.””
— Walter Scott
“I envy thee not thy faith, which is ever in thy mouth but never in thy heart nor in thy practice””
— Walter Scott
“Chivalry!---why, maiden, she is the nurse of pure and high affection---the stay of the oppressed, the redresser of grievances, the curb of the power of the tyrant ---Nobility were but an empty name without her, and liberty finds the best protection in her lance and her sword.””
— Walter Scott
“I will tear this folly from my heart, though every fibre bleed as I rend it away!””
— Walter Scott
“I have sought but a kindred spirit to share it, and I have found such in thee.””
— Walter Scott
“I forgive you, Sir Knight," said Rowena, "as a Christian.""That means," said Wamba, "that she does not forgive him at all.””
— Walter Scott
