Ivanhoe

By: Sir Walter Scott

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Sir Walter Scott's most popular novel, and the first of his works to be set in England, Ivanhoe was first published in 1819.

During the reign of Richard I, Wilfred of Ivanhoe earns his father's disapproval by falling in love with Rowena, his father's ward. His father had planned to wed her himself, and reestablish the Saxon line.

Ivanhoe serves with Richard I during the Crusades, while the King's brother attempts to take the throne for himself in his brother's absence. When Richard I and Ivanhoe return, a series of adventures takes place against the backdrop of a tournament where Knights Templar are entered into contests. Ivanhoe catches the eye of Rebecca, a beautiful and courageous Jew; he is taken prisoner, along with his father and hers, and Rowena as well; and they rely upon one Locksley (Robin Hood) and his band of outlaws to set them free. When Rebecca is subsequently charged with witchcraft, she asks Ivanhoe to champion her in a trial by combat. But have his affections shifted, or does he still love Rowena?

Sir Walter Scott's fanciful, vivid reinterpretation of medieval life makes for a successful novel that blends fact, myth, and romance.

(P)1998 Blackstone Audiobooks. Originally published in England in 1819.

silly

my disbelief was not suspended. The Jewish subplot may have been woke at the time but now is squirm worthy.

Sir Walter Scott writes romance very well

Ivanhoe is a historical novel full of romance and family feud. I am now going to listen to Waverly.

Adventure, chivalry, and medieval England.

Passionate devotion to Scott's masterpiece. Medieval knight's valorous quest unfolds into inescapable adventure. Fully executed.

satisfying classic

really enjoyed listening to this quintessential tale of chivalry. the.reader was okay though some of the character voices were a bit distracting.

Takes some getting used to

I liked the story and the telling, but can be difficult to get an idea of who is talking. A few times the narrator speaks from an 19th century point of view about the characters during the book. Over all I liked it and wish they had a better movie about it!

The definitive version of the tale

While the words of Sir Walter Scott are the same from version to version, the reading of Frederick Davidson (a pseudonym for the late David Frederick Case), is the best in my opinion. This is also my favorite of Scott's novels.

Wow!! Excellent combination between action and romance.

Excellent story!! Early chapters are hard to get through, but absolutely worth the effort once you get the hang of it.

A great classic romance/adventure

This classic epic novel, written in 1819, was one I really enjoyed reading.

The story is set in medieval England. King Richard lies in prison in Europe on his voyage from the Crusades. Meanwhile, the Saxons and Normans are fighting over the remnant of England.

Ivanhoe, a disinherited son of a noble who was also on the Crusades, returns disguised as the Disinherited Knight. Together with the help of a mysterious Black Knight, they fight members of the Knight?s Templars, rescue the fair Rowena, whom Ivanhoe has fallen in love with, and perform other feats of heroism.

This is a great adventure novel: a disinherited knight who is forced to fight several times when the odds are against him in order to win his love. Many characters are featured as well, including Robin Hood and his merry men. Any reader with an interest in chivalry, medieval times, English royal history, or good ol? fight scenes will appreciate this novel.

The book does feature a character worth mentioning: Isaac is an elderly Jewish man, and he has a daughter, Rebecca, who falls in love with Ivanhoe. Though the anti-Semitic rhetoric by some of the villainous characters runs pretty thick at times (this does take place during the Crusades, after all), it?s pretty clear the author despises such treatment. In actuality, Rebecca turns out to be the strongest heroine of the novel.

It is clear why this book is still so popular. It?s a great story, with great heroes (and even better villains). You will really enjoy this book.

Frederick Davidson's voice is perfect for this role. He brings each of the many characters to life distinctly, and his depiction of the villains is especially good. I strongly recommend this recording

Swords and intrigues ; damsels and romance

Well, if tales of courtly romance, in castles with banners flying as knights and nobles sit to feast on grand displays of sumptuous victuals and various wines, ale's, sack; maiden's true and love bound young Knights along with treacherous usurpers, dis-honoured nobles, self seeking traitorous rogues you will love this story.

One item I find disconcerting is Ivanhoe, the hero and title of the tale is absent from most of the narrative.

He sustains an injury at a joust early in the story and is bed ridden mostly.

Richard cor de Leon reruns from the Crusades and features as a heroic champion at various intrigues but the story revolves primarily around four Saxon Devils who will do anything to advance their rank and fatten their coffers with silver an gold. They plot with evil King John to wrest "Merry England" from the Plantagenet line creating plots and schemes behind every castle casement to further Saxon tyranny.

There is a very interesting side story about Issac the Jew and his beautiful daughter reflective of the conditions " the chosen people" were treated and persecuted during this period.

It is bloody and heroic while romantic and desperate.

I love chivalry and Knights errant.

Rex the reader

Brilliant

a true classic that deserves to be read again and again for generations to come. the blending of Robin Hood mythology with original characters and story of Sir Walter Scott create a fun and familiar tale even if you have never read the book before