IVANHOE
Author:
Walter Scott
First edition:
Ivanhoe, 1819
Main illustrators:
Birckdale Bombled Boudignon Brock Riou
In short:
The story takes place in England in the 12th century. Cedric the Saxon disowns his son Wilfred of Ivanhoe because he has challenged his father's authority by loving Lady Rowena, his fostered child. Ivanhoe decides to join King Richard Coeur-de-Lion, launched a crusade in Palestine. Getting advantage of the King's absence, his brother Prince John tries to seize the throne. At the same time, the Saxons and the Norman conquerors fight in a ruthless war.
Ivanhoe comes back to England with King Richard I, without telling anyone. In disguises (the first as the Desinherited Knight and the king as the Black Knight), they beat the Normans, who were supporting Prince John. After many adventures, King Richard I gets his throne back and Ivanhoe can finally marry Lady Rowena. As the novel ends, Wilfred serves under the king until Richard's death.
Selection of edition:
Ivanhoé, illustrated by Brock, Service and Paton, 16 ill.
Ivanhoé, illustrated by Riou, 1880.
Ivanhoé, illustrated by L.C. Bombled, Boivin, s.d.
Ivanhoé, illustrated by F. Boudignon, Hachette, 1979.
More about Ivanhoe:
This novel, published in 1819, was the first one that Scott wrote about English history. However, the historical basis of the book are rather confusing. Ivanhoe became so successful that launched historical novels in Europe.