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.

Exciting Plot, But Movie Is Better

If you like historical fiction, you'll like this book. It has a very good plot, and the narrator does a great job with the different characters. However, I must admit I enjoyed the ending of the movie (starring Robert Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor) better.

A Pleasant Trip

This is a book that I read repeatedly growing up. It was nice to run across an unabridged version on here. While the narrator's voice is a bit grating at times, it is oddly perfect for the story.

Marvelously appealing, engaging, and fulfilling

A grand epic, well worth the listen. I am still disappointed by parts and yet enthralled by others. Sit back and allow Mr. Davidson to take you on a wonderful adventure.