Ivanhoe

Rating:
Summary: A fine read
Review: Scott's Ivanhoe ranks among my favorite books. Although the language can be a bit difficult(and sometimes humorous), the story and characters make Ivanhoe well worth the trouble. This is a fast moving and thoroughly enjoyable old-fashioned adventure story.

Rating:
Summary: Ivanhoe
Review: Sir Walter Scott demonstrates his storytelling prowess in this epic novel of intrigue, love, chivalry, and loyalty. Ivanhoe is a fast-paced, well-crafted tale in which the reader is also educated on medievalism, though it is not necessarily the author's intent. Oddly, the title character receives only about fifty pages of coverage, while the remainder of the book is dedicated to the many colorful characters that make this story so compelling.

Scott blends history with fiction and occassionally makes some gaffes, but by and large his blending is successful. At one point he has one character explainhow his grandfather had fought at Hastings (1066). Since the time frame of this novel is circa 1197, it is nigh impossible, especially given life expectancies of the age, that a grandfather had been living 130 years prior. He also stereotypes Jews as moneylenders and lovers of naught but profit, as if he has little understanding of Judiaism. Finally, cotts ending is very fast-paced, almost too fast. The reader comes away with a sense that he really wanted to get the book finished.

This particular edition has an introduction and conclusion by a Nancy Springer. She puts the book into context claiming the real hero of the story is Richard the Lion Heart and the real heroine is the Jewess, Rebecca. Scotts writing certainly gives Springer's conclusion credibility, but one could go further and say that the real heroes of the book is integrity and honor.

This was my first exposure to Sir Walter Scott, and I'm not going to say I've become a fan. But the story remains worth reading as it fills in a gap between the two films "The Lion in Winter" and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves."

Rating:
Summary: Knights in shining armour
Review: Sir Walter Scott wrote over twenty novels, after switching from poetry, many of considerable length, and this is the one which still grabs the Public attention. "Ivanhoe" is the story of a young nobleman in the First Crusade, roughly a century after the Norman Conquest. Ivanhoe's bride, the Saxon heiress Rowena, is pursued by several Norman knights, portrayed by Scott as villainous and oppressive. Many choose this to be an implicit reference to the English "occupation" of Scotland. The story of the prodigal son is reworked in all its chivalric glory, and the reader enjoys a comfortable read throughout due to the certainty that Ivanhoe will "get the girl".

As an example of the adventure story, "Ivanhoe" is unsurpassed in English Literature. Working within a formula, Scott still manages to create several memorable character vignettes, most notably Wamba the jester, the rapacious Prince John, and the noble King Richard, who is almost as romantically wild as Ivanhoe himself. There is also an appearance of Robin Hood and his band, which acts as a useful balance to the world of Norman castles. As a story of occupation and the merging of races into cosmopolitan nations, Ivanhoe is overtly political, but it can also be read on a level of very simple enjoyment.

Faults of the book in itself are few and far between. Scott was a mass producer of historical novels, all of which operate within a rigid framework, and using similar characters. Critics have therefore argued that Scott does not pioneer the novel very far, but merely cashes in on an existing style. It is reasonable to say that "Ivanhoe" does not break any new ground, but this is more than compensated for by the superb characterisation, and delicate understanding shown by Scott on such issues as inter-racial relations.

I would recommend "Ivanhoe" to anyone wishing to read the medieval romance, or anyone with an interest in Sir Walter Scott. It is not too challenging, but is well-researched, emotionally-charged, and most importantly of all, very enjoyable. Watch out for the Jewish family, downtrodden by both Norman and Saxon alike, but whose simple dignity contrasts with the proud egotism of many of the Christians. The Jewish girl, Rebekah, also provides an alternative love interest for Ivanhoe, which is all the more pathetic because the reader knows it can never be realised.

Rating:
Summary: The One Who Popularized Historical Fiction
Review: Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe is a pioneering work of historical fiction. Set during the Crusades, in the era after the Norman conquest of England (1066), it is the story of a disinherited knight, Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who has been cast aside by his father, Cedric of Rotherwood, because of a forbidden love between young Ivanhoe and Cederic's ward, the lovely Saxon girl Rowena. Cederic want to re-establish Saxon rule in England and to do so, he has plotted to marry off Rowena to Athelstane, a Saxon noble of pure blood, thereby creating a legitimate Saxon ruling line. This intimate story of forbidden love is set against the grand historical backdrop of a political drama that pits Richard the Lionhearted, who has been away on Crusade against his corrupt brother Prince John, who has been plotting to seize power with the help of treacherous nobles Waldemar, Fitzurse, Font-de-Bouef and Malvosin. The pageantry of a medieval tournament at Ashby is the backdrop for the dramatic introduction of the character of the Disinherited Knight, supported by the Black Knight, Le Noir Faineant, who vanquish all of Prince John's favorites in combat. The Disinherited Knight, is of course, revealed to be Ivanhoe, the hero of the Scott's epic tale. An interesting sub plot is the story of the sensual Jewish beauty Rebecca, daughter of the merchant Isaac of York, who came to Ivanhoe's aid. In an era of rampant anti-Semitism, Sir Walter Scott drew his Jewish characters with great sympathy and Rebecca's sad story of her trial by the Knights Templar, enrichens the novel. Ivanhoe is a beautifully written and the story takes many twists and turns to reach it's conclusion. It's dense plot and intrigue are said to have influenced the later writings of Alexandre Dumas. Full of fascinating characters, dark deeds, swordplay, humor, pathos and of course, a rich, romantic story of star-crossed lovers, Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe is mythmaking at its finest. Jeffrey Morseburg

Rating:
Summary: Ivanhoe: Templar Chivalry & Mystery Live On
Review: SIR WALTER SCOTT'S IVANHOE is one of the most important literary works of all time. It is at once history and fiction, setting the precedent for all the historical novels that followed it.

Ivanhoe is also of supreme relevance today: who could hope to understand the political & religious tensions of today without knowing something of the ancient tensions between Jews, Christians and Muslims described in Ivanhoe? Who would doubt that the history of the Holy Land is important to every man woman and child on the planet, still feeding the conflicts of our time.

Ivanhoe contains many historical inaccuracies. But in a very real sense it actually adds to the historical record. Many popular perceptions about chivalry, the crusades and other contemporary issues are drawn from this book rather than from the history books. Scott uses his unique imagination and his natural, almost casual deep understanding of history & chivalry to weave a monumental story out of the threads of history, informed speculation and imagination.

Most people's knowledge of the mysterious Knights Templar probably comes from Ivanhoe, perhaps because "historical" information about the order is so scarce. The persecution of the Knights Templar began on Friday the 13th of October 1307 and soon afterwards the Pope disbanded them. But the Order and its principles remained alive. The devoted Knights Templar continued their beloved Order without the Roman Catholic Church, in the cellars and subterranean caves of sympathetic towns in South East England after the Temple's leaders were arrested on Friday the 13th of October 1307. The current, independent Grand Preceptory of the Knights Templar is in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

It is almost seven centuries since the day the Templar order's persecution began but their legacy is alive in the politics and the popular imagination of today. The order recently requested a papal apology for their persecution, timing the request to precede and coincide with the 7th centenary of that fateful day.

Modern popular stories utilise the same powerful Templar mythology, symbolism and timing, to great effect. The Da Vinci Code, now a best-selling book & soon a blockbusting film; the film National Treasure, and other works draw heavily upon the myths and history surrounding the Templars. The influence of Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe cannot be ignored as a key source of imaginative and historical inspiration.


Rating:
Summary: Unbeatable.
Review: This book is possibly the definitive medaevil romance. Set in the time of Prince John and his brother Richard(with, yes, an entry by the renowned Robin Hood), this tells the story of a young, gallant knight come to claim his Saxon princess. The story, however does not revolve entirely around young Ivanhoe, in fact it he is only one of several important characters of the tale. Ivanhoe embodies everything that is loved in this type of book. It is definitely a must read, the best of Walter Scott`s books(far ahead of "Waverly" and "Rob Roy") and can only be compared with other leading romances such as "The Black Arrow"of R.L Stevenson. A truly excellent book.

Rating:
Summary: ...a favorite in my library
Review: This great book has escaped me far too long, but is now amongst my favorites.

As tales of nobility and chivalry go, Ivanhoe scores a ten. It is superbly written and easy to read. The cast of characters seems nearly endless, as even secondary characters take on great living qualities and consume the reader.

Reviewers may focus on King Richard, his evil brother John, or Ivanhoe, but there are so many strong characters. For instance one "DeBracy" is a stout hearted soldier of fortune and happens to be working for the ill minded John. His knightly character is challenged and defeated by the Black Knight of the Fetterlock and he quickly champions fair play and chivalric form when that defeat, by one more noble than he, rekindles his manhood and loyalty to his vow of knighthood.

Another character, Brian de Bois Guilbert, plays a villain and strong crusader of christendom against any foe of the cross or his own gain. Sir Brian is a member of the Knights Templar and is vexed or enchanted by every worldly thing that he has denounced . His love for a beautiful Jewish girl is completely absurd to all around him, but he is completely consumed by her beauty and purity. Willing to give up fame, fortune, and power for her; we find him nearly mad with his passion so far out of control.

I reccommed this book to lovers of great novels and historians alike. You won't go wrong with Ivanhoe!

Rating:
Summary: Dense but well worth the effort.
Review: This is most definately a book you have to wade through but Scott is such a masterful story teller that the difficult passages are worth the effort. Rebekah (I can't remember which way Scott spelled it so please bear with me) is a brilliant character, an intelligent and independant woman who uses her brain. Most modern books don't have as strong a female character.

THe introduction to my copy says that the book is not accurate to medieval history and was not meant to be. The Normans and Saxons were symbols for the English and Scots. (Scott was pro independance) I don't know how true this is but it makes a good deal of sense. My point is, the strength of the book was not it's historical accuracy but Scott's brilliant characters. Rebekah and Brian de Bois Gilbert are my favorites hgandds down for their complexities but everyone has at least one good scene. (Except poor Rowena who really is a damsel in distress.)

Rating:
Summary: The quintessential medieval experience
Review: This may not be an easy read (okay, sometimes it was torture) but it's well worth the effort and time. The expected medieval themes are there--jousting, knights in shining armour, princesses in need of rescue, and fortified castles. But it's the unexpected that catches your attention--the plight of a Jewish moneylender and his attractive daughter, the raging antisemitism, the cruelty of the Dark Ages, and the surprising amount of humor in the novel. It's clear that this type of writing formed the basis for subsequent heroic adventures and historical fiction.

Rating:
Summary: Great Twists and Turns
Review: This review is of Ivanhoe strictly as a fun FICTIONAL book to read. I can not vouch for any historical accuracy nor is that my intent.

I turned onto Ivanhoe because I had heard that this story influenced Dumas when he wrote the Three Musketeer saga and I am really glad that I gave it a chance. The story of Ivanhoe is about the return of the Wilfred of Ivanhoe and King Richard from the Crusades. Wilfred is the disinherited son of Cedric of Rotherwood, aka Cedric the Saxon. Cedric dreams of restoring the Saxon monarchy and has been trying to facilitate a union between his ward, Rowena and Athelstane, whose pure bloodline would give credit to a claim for rule. A strong affection between Rowena and his son Wilfred (henceforth called Ivanhoe) has caused him to exile his son - his sacrifice to promote the Saxon cause. The disinherited Ivanhoe went to serve with Richard the Lion Heart in the Crusades. While Richard and Ivanhoe have been gone, Richard's brother, Prince John, has been gathering friends and making schemes for wresting control from Richard before he could get back and squelch his efforts. The conflict between the Normans and Saxons and the absence of King Richard (Lion Heart) has created the perfect conditions for a rebellion of the Saxons and/or a coup by John - both of which seem almost imminent.

The twists and turns are great. When Richard and Ivanhoe return incognito and fight in a tournament, besting all of the strongest, the wheels start turning that will see damsels abducted, the storming and sacking of a castle with the aid of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, a witch trial and more swordplay. Great, great, great. It's no wonder that this work is still being read almost two hundred years later and influenced what I consider to be one of the best adventure stories ever - the Three Musketeers. If you like Dumas, you will more than likely like this even though it is not as involved or long as a Dumas novel.