Summary
Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor, first published in 1869, is R. D. Blackmore's enduring masterpiece. Set in 17th-century England, this historical romance tells the story of John Ridd, a farmer who falls in love with Lorna, a member of the notorious outlaw clan that murdered his father. Renowned for its vivid descriptions of the English countryside and compelling portrayal of star-crossed lovers, the book has never been out of print since its publication.
Plot
Set in 17th-century Exmoor, Lorna Doone follows John Ridd, a young farmer whose father is murdered by the Doones, a notorious outlaw clan. As John grows up, he unexpectedly meets and falls in love with Lorna, a beautiful girl who lives among the Doones. Despite the danger, John and Lorna continue to meet in secret, their love blossoming over time.
The plot thickens when it's revealed that Lorna is not actually a Doone but the heiress to a large fortune. She's taken to London as a ward in Chancery, seemingly putting her out of John's reach. Meanwhile, political turmoil erupts as the Duke of Monmouth challenges James II for the throne. John is falsely accused of treason but manages to clear his name and earn a title from the king.
The story climaxes with John leading an attack on the Doones, wiping out most of the clan. He and Lorna are finally able to marry, but their wedding is dramatically interrupted when Carver Doone, seeking revenge, shoots Lorna. In a rage, John pursues Carver and watches him sink into a mire. The novel concludes with Lorna's recovery and the couple's happy future together.
Themes
Love conquering social barriers
Conflict between lawfulness and outlawry
Revenge and justice
Coming of age and personal growth
Loyalty to family and community
Power of nature and the English countryside
Class struggle and social mobility
Setting
Set in the late 17th century, Lorna Doone unfolds against the backdrop of England's tumultuous political and religious landscape. The story takes place during the reign of Charles II and the subsequent Monmouth Rebellion, providing a rich historical context for the dramatic romance.
The novel's primary setting is the rugged and picturesque Exmoor region, straddling the border between Devon and Somerset in southwest England. Blackmore vividly describes the wild, untamed beauty of this area, with its rolling hills, deep valleys, and windswept moors. The fictional Doone Valley, where the outlaws reside, is nestled within this harsh yet breathtaking landscape.
Specific locations featured in the novel include the East Lyn Valley, a real place that inspired much of the book's scenery. The story also touches on notable sites such as Blundell's School in Tiverton, where the protagonist John Ridd begins his journey. Through Blackmore's evocative prose, readers are transported to a world where the untamed wilderness of Exmoor serves as both a haven and a battleground for the characters' struggles and passions.
Characters
John Ridd: The protagonist and narrator, a farmer from Exmoor who falls in love with Lorna Doone. He is known for his strength, honesty, and determination.
Lorna Doone: The titular character, a beautiful young woman raised by the outlaw Doone clan. She is later revealed to be the heiress to a noble family.
Carver Doone: The main antagonist, a brutal and ruthless member of the Doone clan who desires to marry Lorna. He is John Ridd's primary rival.
Sir Ensor Doone: The elderly leader of the Doone clan and Lorna's supposed grandfather. He is more reasonable than the younger Doones.
The Counsellor: Carver's father and the most intelligent member of the Doone clan. He is cunning and manipulative.
Tom Faggus: John's cousin, a former highwayman turned farmer. He is known for his charm and adventurous spirit.
Annie Ridd: John's younger sister, who falls in love with Tom Faggus. She is kind-hearted and supportive of her brother.
Sarah Ridd: John's other sister, known for her sharp tongue and strong personality.
Jeremy Stickles: A government agent who becomes friends with John Ridd. He helps John navigate political intrigue.
Earl Brandir: Lorna's guardian in London after her true identity is revealed. He is a kind but sickly nobleman.
Quick facts
R.D. Blackmore initially struggled to find a publisher for Lorna Doone. It was first published anonymously in 1869 in a limited run of only 500 copies.
The novel is set in the late 17th century in the Exmoor region of England, incorporating real historical events and places.
Blackmore attended Blundell's School in Tiverton, which serves as the setting for the opening chapters of the novel.
The character of Lorna Doone may have been inspired by the real-life shooting of Mary Whiddon on her wedding day in Chagford, Devon.
Key themes in the novel include love, revenge, social class, loyalty, and the conflict between good and evil.
Blackmore claimed to use a “phonologic” style to recreate the authentic accents and dialects of 17th-century Exmoor residents.
The “Great Winter,” described in chapters 41 through 45, was based on an actual historical event.
Famous admirers of the novel included Robert Louis Stevenson, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and Thomas Hardy.
Lorna Doone has never been out of print since its republication in 1870.
The novel inspired a popular brand of shortbread cookies also called Lorna Doone.
The novel has been adapted numerous times for the stage and screen. One of the most famous adaptations is the 1951 film starring Barbara Bel Geddes and Richard Greene.
Composer Giacomo Puccini once considered adapting Lorna Doone into an opera, but ultimately abandoned the idea.
About the Author
R.D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore was one of the most renowned English novelists of the late 19th century. He pioneered a new romantic movement in English fiction, following in the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott, distinguished by rich depictions of the countryside and the spirit of rural life. Blackmore's magnum opus, Lorna Doone, was published in 1869 and established him as a leading novelist of his time. Set in 17th century Exmoor, the romantic adventure story became wildly popular and has remained in print ever since. While Blackmore wrote many other novels—The Maid of Sker, Springhaven, and Cripps the Carrier, among them. Yet none achieved the lasting fame of Lorna Doone.
Born in 1825 in Berkshire, he spent much of his childhood in the rural landscapes of Devon. Though he was trained as a lawyer, ill health led him to pursue writing and horticulture instead. Blackmore built a house with extensive fruit gardens in Teddington, where he lived for the rest of his life. Blackmore was described as proud, shy, and strong-willed, preferring the quiet life of a country gentleman to literary fame. In addition to writing, he took great pride in his fruit-growing business, even claiming he would rather be remembered for his prize-winning produce than his novels.
Blackmore's literary reputation declined sharply after his death in 1900. Today, he is remembered primarily for Lorna Doone, while his other novels have largely fallen out of print.
