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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.7
EAN num: 9780140436587
ISBN number: 0140436588
Label: Penguin Classics
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 544
Printing Date: October 01, 2000
Publishing house: Penguin Classics
Release Date: October 03, 2000
Sale Popularity Level: 125728
Studio: Penguin Classics
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The epitome of the chivalric novel, Ivanhoe sweeps readers into Medieval England and the lives of a memorable cast of characters. Ivanhoe, a trusted ally of Richard-the-Lion-Hearted, returns from the Crusades to reclaim the inheritance his father denied him. Rebecca, a vibrant, beautiful Jewish woman is defended by Ivanhoe against a charge of witchcraft--but it is Lady Rowena who is Ivanhoe's true love. The wicked Prince John plots to usurp England's throne, but two of the most popular heroes in all of English literature, Richard-the-Lion-Hearted and the well-loved famous outlaw, Robin Hood, team up to defeat the Normans and reagain the castle. The sucess of this novel lies with Scott's skillful blend of historic reality, chivalric romance, and high adventure.
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Rated by buyers 
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I readily admit that there were several times when I was tempted to put Ivanhoe aside. The story is a wonderful historical tale of knights and political intrigues with all the details normally associated with a tale of medieval chivalry. Each time I almost gave in, I reached a point in the narrative that suddenly engaged me and so I continued and finished what is in retrospect a fabulous read.
Sir Walter Scott's tale is grounded in history , though as many have cited below not necessarily historically accurate. Nevertheless it is entertaining and well worth the effort. The language can be a challenge at times but for a fantastical view of Norman England during the Crusades it is quite a ride.
Rated by buyers -
After ordering my copy of Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe, I eagerly awaited the arrival of the book on my doorstep. Upon finishing the book yesterday, and having taken until the age of 40 to actually read this classic novel, it was all well worth the wait.
Being an avid reader of historical fiction, both classic and contemporary novels on the subject, I am inclined to want a fast paced, intricate plot, well developed characters, and a good, in-depth read. Ivanhoe, one of Scott's Waverly romances, brings to life the story of the return of outcast Wilfred of Ivanhoe, son of Cedric the Saxon....banished from his father's favor for simply falling in love with the maiden Rowena, who is Cedric's ward, and promised to Cedric's friend, Athelstane.
Upon returning to Cedric's kingdom, Ivanhoe proves himself in battle, yet is wounded in the process. Enter the damsel Rebecca, daughter of the wealthy Jewish merchant Isaac of York, who takes up the charge of tending to Ivanhoe's wounds and restoring him to health.
Thus begins the story, which then turns on some famous characters of history, such as Richard the Lion Hearted, as well as a not too difficult to identify Robin Hood (though appearing under the name Locksley for most of this book) and the efforts of Robin's men, along with the famed 'Black Knight' to rescue Cedric, Rebecca, Rowena, Athelstane, Ivanhoe, and Isaac from the clutches of the dastardly Maurice De Bracy and Knight Templar Brian de Bois Guilbert, who have imprisoned the heroes and heroines in the castle Front-de-Boeuf after they have ambushed them on the road.
Danger, disguise, intrigue, romance, shocking deaths and even more shocking returns await readers as they read on in Walter Scott's highly engaging and likeable tale of Chivalrous derring-do. A wonderful novel, a wonderful read, and a wonderful way to learn more about the middle ages, the Knights Templar, and the exploits of Robin Hood. Though Ivanhoe himself is what I would deem a 'minor' character in the work, this still does nothing to take from the enjoyment of reading it. Highly recommended.
Rated by buyers -
Ivanhoe is one of those books I thought I should have read as a child, but hadn't. Finally, at age 62, I've read it -- and loved it. I had no idea it would be so funny. I wonder how it got its title, though, since Ivanhoe himself seems to have a pretty minor role.
Rated by buyers -
Sir Walter Scott was the first, and is still considered one of the best, historical novelists of all time. His very first novel, Waverly, which concerns itself with the Jacobite rebellion in Scotland in 1745, was published in 1814 and was an overwhelming success. He followed that with two dozen other Waverly novels, including Rob Roy in 1818. In 1819, he began a new series of novels based on medieval England and Europe, beginning with Ivanhoe. Ivanhoe is still considered one of his best and most endearing works.
One of the things about Scott that makes him so significant is his mastery of the English language. He is a type of bridge between Shakespeare's Elizabethan English and the English of the modern world. In Ivanhoe, he captures the flavor of the language of the age of chivalry without overwhelming us. We have a touch of "thees" and "thous," but the meanings of passages are still quite clear. His writing is rich and multifaceted, but it always has purpose. He uses words with precision, but he does not try to impress us with what he knows.
A second thing about Scott that is significant is his knowledge of history. His research is impeccable, and it bears fruit in the lavishness of his details. Yet, we don't get bogged down in detail. There is just enough to paint the scenes of the period and make them come alive. A perfect example is his handling of the tournament in Ivanhoe. Never has there been a clearer, more perfect description of a medieval tournament. It is breathtaking, and we feel we are a part of the action.
I wish that Scott had written about King Arthur. If he had, he would have been the greatest of the Arthurian authors. Unfortunately, Ivanhoe is as close as he came. Yet, we get so much from that one book concerning chivalry and knighthood, that it could almost be used as a handbook on the subject. It is also quite critical of the faults of the period, such as the mistreatment of Jews and the excesses of the nobility. It is a most honest handling of a most romantic period, and yet he does not tarnish it or disturb the blush on the rose.
A third thing about Scott is his incredible story-telling and his ability to develop so many interesting characters. Every chapter in Ivanhoe is a complete scene that ends in such a way so as to draw us into the subsequent scene. Scott could easily have been a screenwriter. The personalities that fill those scenes are unforgettable and endearing, such as Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, King Richard the Lionhearted, Locksley (Robin Hood), the Lady Rowena, Rebecca, Isaac of York and Wamba. There are also a host of detestable villains, such as Prince John, Maurice de Bracy and Brian de Bois-Guilbert. No wonder Hollywood wanted to make this into a major motion picture. The 1952 version with Robert Taylour as Ivanhoe, Elizabeth Taylour as Rebecca, Joan Fontaine as Lady Rowena and George Sanders as Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert is unusually good. Robert Taylour is a bit stiff; but then he never felt as comfortable or looked as natural in tights and armour as Errol Flynn. There is also a 1982 TV version, staring James Mason and some other notables, with which I am not familiar.
When you compare current novels, even historical ones, with Ivanhoe and other Scott works, there is no comparison. What you gain in readability in the modern works, you lose in pure beauty of the language. Scott is an education, not only in language, but history, culture and human relations. But he is also one of the most entertaining authors who ever put pen to paper. I highly recommend him, and especially Ivanhoe.
Waitsel Smith
Rated by buyers -
I really enjoyed the book and the characters some of whom were good, others clearly evil, and others a bit of both. Although what characters were good or evil was not always clear. Was Friar Tuck such a good guy? I don't recall a single clergy member that was honest. I felt Rebecca was interesting in that she was brave, kind, courageous, and spirited. Rowenna took a back seat as a hollow character. Bois-Guilbert was truly fascinating. One sees a progression towards introspection in this valueless but brave man of action. You start to hope that he will evolve through love and contact with the good into a true hero. Although some progress seems to be made, where he is morally at the end is unclear. We never can tell if he would have lost the last battle on purpose. Perhaps the book should have been titled "Brian and Rebecca." Ivanhoe was not present during so much of the book and the ending is a bit unhappy and not satisfying. Overall it is a great read.
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