Waverley

Waverley is a historical novel and Sir Walter Scott's first venture into prose fiction. The novel considered as the first historical novel in the western tradition. The book became so popular that Scott's later novels were advertised as being 'by the author of Waverley'. His series of works on similar themes written during the same period have become collectively known as the 'Waverley Novels'.

Sir Walter Scott's Jacobite epic, Waverley, is the thrilling tale of the 1745 campaign to restore the House of Stuart to the throne of England. Edward Waverley, a young English soldier, is sent to the Scottish Lowlands home of his friend Baron Bradwardine, where he falls under the sway of both the lovely Flora Mac-Ivor and the Highland cause. Waverley is considered the first English historical novel, and had enormous success and influence in nineteenth-century literature. Sir Walter Scott has been hailed by fellow authors Goethe, Lord Byron, and Thomas Moore as one of the greatest English writers of all time. HarperPerennial Classics brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperPerennial Classics collection to build your digital library.

First published anonymously in 1814, "Waverley" was Sir Walter Scott's first novel and one of his most popular. The story is set in the Scotland of 1745 amidst the Jacobite uprising and follows the young Edward Waverley, an English officer in the Hanoverian army. He is sent to Scotland and while on leave from training he visits friends of his family in the Lowlands and the Highlands. Waverley meets lairds and chieftains, and he is soon caught up in the Jacobite cause and develops romantic feelings for both Rose, the lovely daughter of Baron Bradwardine, and the passionately political Flora Mac-Ivor, sister to Chieftain Fergus. While the English question Waverley's loyalty, his honor and courage gain him allies on both sides of the conflict. Full of beautiful descriptions of the natural scenery of Scotland and thrilling accounts of battle and danger, Scott drew on his childhood memories and exhaustive historical research to document Scottish history and to preserve a way of life threatened by civil war. The result is a moving and inspiring tale which contains to entertain and educate readers two centuries later. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

First published with great success in 1814, Scott's first novel is set in the Scotland of 1745, amidst the Jacobite uprising. Widely considered the first English historical novel, this story of self-discovery follows the young Edward Waverley, an English soldier in the Hanoverian army. He is sent to Scotland, and there he visits both the Lowlands and the Highlands. Waverley meets both lairds and chieftains, and he is soon caught up in both the Jacobite cause and in romantic feelings for the lovely daughter of Baron Bradwardine, Rose, and the passionately political Flora Mac-Ivor, sister to Chieftain Fergus. Full of beautiful description of the natural scenery of Scotland, Scott drew on his childhood memories and talent as a writer to conserve a piece of history and a way of life threatened by civil war.

Waverley' is among Walter Scott's first novels and one of the original Western historical novels. The sprawling story takes place during the Jacobite Rising from 1745 and follows the life of Edward Waverley, a British soldier who falls in love with a Scottish woman and joins a revolutionary army. 'Waverley' shows why Scott is considered one of the forefathers of European romanticism, as the tale follows an individual hero on a grand journey through beautifully vivid settings. However, Edward Waverley follows in the footsteps of 'Don Quixote' as a protagonist whose dreams of heroism are difficult to achieve. This dramatic tale has elements of picaresque comedy as Scott creates a less than heroic protagonist that finds himself in ironic situations that he is ill-prepared for. Political intrigue, romance, and breathtakingly beautiful depictions of the Scottish landscape are Scott's trademark elements that make this classic novel a rewarding read. 'Waverley' was celebrated at the time of its release for an accurate portrayal of Gaelic revolutionaries, but it remains timeless due to its poignant storytelling and lyrical prose. 'Waverley' is recommended for fans of historical fiction or romanticism.

Guy Mannering is set in the 1760s to 1780s, mostly in the Galloway area of southwest Scotland, but with episodes in Cumberland, Holland, and India. It tells the story of Harry Bertram, the son of the Laird of Ellangowan, who is kidnapped at the age of five by smugglers after witnessing the murder of a customs officer. It follows the fortunes and adventures of Harry and his family in subsequent years, and the struggle over the inheritance of Ellangowan.

"Guy Mannering" is the story of young Henry Bertram's kidnapping. The heir to a wealthy ancestral estate, his family's lawyer has him kidnapped in the hopes that with no male heir, the estate and its wealth, will revert to him. Henry is raised in Holland, with a new name completely unaware of the life stolen from him. In a globe-trotting adventure, filled with romance, conspiracy and violence, Henry will be forced to reckon with his past by fighting for what he loves. Scott has created a lovingly detailed tale, full of vivid and lively characters each with their own desires and machinations that culminate in a climactic, satisfying finale. This eternal classic, packed with humour and stark honesty deserves a place in your collection. If you loved Denis Villeneuve's award winning thriller 'Prisoners', or 'Taken' then this book is absolutely for you.

The Antiquary is about several characters including an antiquary: an amateur historian, archaeologist and collector of items of dubious antiquity. He is the eponymous character and for all practical purposes the hero, though the characters of Lovel and Isabella Wardour provide the conventional love interest.

"The Antiquary" (1816) is Sir Walter Scott's self-proclaimed best novel. Set in Scotland during the late 18th century, this tale follows the mysterious Mr. William Lovel and the various relationships that shape and transform his life in Scotland. Considered Scott's only gothic novel, "The Antiquary" is replete with a fantastic grittiness that is unseen in his "Ivanhoe" (1819). As Lovel reaches the seaside town of Fairport he meets and befriends a peculiar yet fascinating antiquary named Jonathan Oldbuck. Their friendship reveals an array of problems in the social tapestry that makes up their Scottish surroundings. Filled with supernatural intrigue, romance, and history, "The Antiquary" is demonstrative of Sir Walter Scott's ability to weave gripping story lines together within an exciting historical context. His mastery of the novel allows for a realist portrayal of the Scottish peasantry while maintaining the spirit of an adventure.

"The Antiquary" is a book steeped in family secrets. One of Walter Scott's "Waverley" novels, its plot revolves around a memorable odd couple: Lovel, a young man with a mysterious past, and Oldbuck, an eccentric collector of artifacts. The pair are headed to the Scottish town of Fairport, where Lovel hopes to woo the beautiful Isabella. Along the way they'll fight duels and write epic poems, and by the end, Lovel's true identity will be revealed. Ripe with melodrama and suspense, "The Antiquary" brings to mind the gothic drama of Bronte's "Wuthering Heights". But it really shines in its vivid depiction of 18th century Scottish life.

Set in England and Scotland, this historical novel is inspired by the life of a Jacobite and outlaw who became a hero to his people. Narrated by Frank, a merchant's son in search of help for his family's troubled business, this sweeping tale is based on the life and times of Rob Roy MacGregor. Enmeshed in a rivalry with a conniving cousin and filled with a yearning for a woman who belongs to another, Frank encounters the charismatic Highlander who will change his life, in this tale set in a world of fox hunts and duels, rebels and spies, and timeless romance and adventure.

Rob Roy' is one of Walter Scott's most famous and acclaimed novels, telling the story of the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor and his thrilling adventures in the Scottish Highlands. Set around the time of the first Jacobite uprising, the characters must navigate a harsh landscape in which danger is constantly present and no one can be trusted. The protagonist is Francis Osbaldistone who travels to Scotland to reclaim stolen documents and rescue his family from financial ruin. On his journey, Francis encounters forbidden romance, violent rebellions, possible ghosts, and the titular Rob Roy. This sprawling novel is an incredible romantic tale as it follows a hero on a perilous adventure to defeat deceitful villains and rescue his true love. 'Rob Roy' has some gothic elements, such as spectral figures but remains true to Scott's acclaimed romanticism as he vividly and lyrically portrays Scotland's natural beauty. A gripping novel that is sure to entertain and enthral fans of romantic and historical literature.

This edition of Rob Roy includes a Foreword. Having fallen into disgrace with his businessman father, Francis Osbaldistone is banished to Scotland with the hope that the impetuous young man might mend his ways. But, the political situation he finds is as turbulent and wild as the land itself. Against the backdrop of the Jacobite uprising, Frank finds himself drawn to the noble and charismatic outlaw Robert Roy MacGregor, whose daring and courageous exploits on behalf of the Scottish people to overthrow their English oppressors has earned him the reputation as the Robin Hood of the Highlands. First published in 1817, Rob Roy, with its high adventure, cunning plot twists, daring escapes, and passionate romances, is an unforgettable portrait of one of Scotland's greatest heroes.

Sir Walter Scott was the first English-language author in literary history to have international success during his actual lifetime. His works were, celebrated in North America, Australia, and Europe. Born in Edinburgh, Scott lived a rather sequestered childhood, stricken with polio and sent to live on his grandparents farm. There, his Aunt Jenny not only taught him to read, but influenced his writing forever; shaping the characteristic speech patterns he would write with later on in his life. In 1871, Scott wrote the classic epic "Rob Roy", set in a tumultuous Scotland right before the Jacobite Rising of 1715. The story is a harrowing tale of the fight for justice and a poignant commentary on the social conditions of Scotland during the early 18th century. The novel centers on Frank Osbaldistone, the narrator of the story, who is, sent to stay with an uncle, Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone, in Northumberland, and crosses paths several times with the mysterious and powerful figure Robert Roy MacGregor. This classic tale continues to delight readers over a hundred years after its first publication. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

Sir Walter was at his best as a story teller when portraying the life of some adventurous hero of his own highlands. Through this stirring novel he has immortalized the wandering patriot and the beautiful lake beside which he made his home. The young person who thinks that Scott is hard reading will not go far in this book before he loses himself in the narrative and finds himself sitting up nights to finish it. With Introductory Essay and Notes by Andrew Lang.

In "Rob Roy", a historical novel by Walter Scott, Frank Osbaldistone, travels to the North of England, and later to the Scottish Highlands, to collect a debt. During this time, he meets the legendary Scotsman, Rob Roy MacGregor. Set during the Jacobite Uprising of 1715, the novel realistically depicts the terrible social conditions in Scotland during that time. Hugely popular in its day for its gripping drama and vivid battle scenes, it was published anonymously in 1817. Robert Louis Stevenson called it "the best of Sir Walter's", and Walter Scott himself, "the best of novelists."

One of Sir Walter Scott's most popular and influential works, "Ivanhoe" is the story of one of the last remaining Saxon noble families. At the beginning of the novel we find its titular character, Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who has been disinherited by his father for his allegiance to the Norman king, Richard the Lionheart, and for falling in love with the Lady Rowena, returning from the Third Crusade. Wilfred's father, Cedric, had planned to marry Lady Rowena to the powerful Lord Athelstane, in order to bolster the position of the Saxon nobility, whose power is being surpassed by the Normans. Wilfred is coaxed into participation in a tournament attended by Lady Rowena with whom he hopes to reunite. He quickly finds himself embroiled in a power struggle between Prince John, who oversees the tournament and is scheming with the help of knights of the Templar Order to control the throne, and the noble and rightful King Richard. "Ivanhoe", which provides us with one of the most popular literary depictions of Robin Hood and his merry men, is a classic tale of the middle ages, filled with chivalry, adventure, and romance. This edition is illustrated by Milo Winter and includes an introduction by Porter Lander MacClintock and a biographical afterword.

One of Sir Walter Scott's most popular and influential works, "Ivanhoe" is the story of one of the last remaining Saxon noble families. At the beginning of the novel we find its titular character, Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who has been disinherited by his father for his allegiance to the Norman king, Richard the Lionheart, and for falling in love with the Lady Rowena, returning from the Third Crusade. Wilfred's father, Cedric, had planned to marry Lady Rowena to the powerful Lord Athelstane, in order to bolster the position of the Saxon nobility, whose power is being surpassed by the Normans. Wilfred is coaxed into participation in a tournament attended by Lady Rowena with whom he hopes to reunite. He quickly finds himself embroiled in a power struggle between Prince John, who oversees the tournament and is scheming with the help of knights of the Templar Order to control the throne, and the noble and rightful King Richard. "Ivanhoe", which provides us with one of the most popular literary depictions of Robin Hood and his merry men, is a classic tale of the middle ages, filled with chivalry, adventure, and romance. This edition includes an introduction by Porter Lander MacClintock and a biographical afterword.

Ivanhoe is a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, first published in 1820 in three volumes and subtitled A Romance. At the time it was written it represented a shift by Scott away from fairly realistic novels set in Scotland in the comparatively recent past, to a somewhat fanciful depiction of medieval England. It has proved to be one of the best known and most influential of Scott's novels. Ivanhoe is set in 12th-century England, with colourful descriptions of a tournament, outlaws, a witch trial and divisions between Jews and Christians. It has been credited for increasing interest in romance and medievalism; John Henry Newman claimed Scott "had first turned men's minds in the direction of the Middle Ages", while Carlyle and Ruskin made similar assertions of Scott's overwhelming influence over the revival, based primarily on the publication of this novel. It has also had an important influence on popular perceptions of Robin Hood, Richard the Lionheart and King John. There have been several adaptations for stage, film and television.

As knights battle to the death, the fate of England hangs in the balance. England is in turmoil-torn by fierce and bitter hatreds between Norman and Saxon. Rival claimants to the throne have plunged into bloody civil war. Price John-taking advantage of Richard's absence while fighting in the Crusades-plots to make himself crowned king. Richard returns and vows to take his revenge on John. But, he will need a courageous and able warrior on his side-a warrior like Wilfred of Ivanhoe. Disinherited by his father, disowned and dishonored, Wilfred allies himself with Richard. In many adventures he will battle knights in deadly tournaments, scale castle walls, be wounded, captured, and rescued by the infamous Robin Hood, and find true love with the fiery Rowena. In what has become Sir Walter Scott's most beloved and rousing adventure, Wilfred helps Richard I foil John's plot. More importantly, Wilfred of Ivenhoe reclaims his good name.

Compiled in one book, this is the essential collection of books by Sir Walter Scott: Ivanhoe Letters On Demonology And Witchcraft, The Black Dwarf, The Surgeon's Daughter, Kenilworth, Rob Roy.

In "Ivanhoe", a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe is a Saxon crusader, returning home to England from the unsuccessful Third Crusade. A supporter of the Norman king Richard the Lionheart, he is disowned by his father. Featuring colorful descriptions of tournaments, outlaws, witch trials and tensions between Jews and Christians, it is also notable for its vivid and lasting depictions of historical figures such as Robin Hood, Richard the Lionheart and King John. First published in 1820, it has been credited with kindling a new interest in romance and the middle ages.

This, one of the great works of fiction, is of historical value for its graphic picture of the Saxons and Normans in England after the Norman occupation of the land. The tournament at Ashby, the siege of Torquilstone, the trial of Rebecca, the Jewess,--these are a few incidents in this story "of the days of old When knights were bold." Robin Hood, under the name of Locksley the yeoman, appears as one of the characters.

Set on the eve of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, The Monastery is full of supernatural events, theological conflict, and humor. Located in the lawless Scottish Borders, the novel depicts the monastery of Kennaquhair (a thinly disguised Melrose Abbey, whose ruins are still to be seen near Scott's own home at Abbotsford) on the verge of dissolution and the fortunes of two brothers as they respond to a new social and religious order.

Sir Walter Scott's "The Monastery: a Romance" is a historical novel first published in 1820. Set during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, it is one of Scott's "Tales from Benedictine Sources" and follows the lives of the Glendinning boys. Highly recommended for those who have read and enjoyed other books in the famous Waverley Novels series. Contents include: "Introduction-(1830.)", "Introductory Epistle", "Answer by 'The Author of Waverley", "The Monastery", "Chapters the First", "Chapter the Second", "Chapter the Third", etc. Many vintage books such as this had been becoming increasingly rare or expensive. This volume is now republished in an available, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

Kenilworth is a novel set in 1575, about the secret marriage of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, to Amy Robsart, daughter of Sir Hugh Robsart. Tragedy befalls the ambition-driven Earl and his spoiled young wife at the hands of the greedy and villainous Varney. This poignant tale of love and intrigue in Elizabethan England is particularly enjoyable because of Scott's impeccable accuracy in describing settings, as well as his richly symbolic language.

"Kenilworth" is a historical novel by Walter Scott that centres on the royal court romance, intrigue, and mystery between Queen Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester. Once again, Scott talks a lot about historical places – here, the Kenilworth Castle, and describes them in perfect detail, adding to the overall air of authenticity of his narrative. A compelling storytelling and the enjoyable, often humorous and heroic adventures makes this novel a must for connoisseurs of historical romances and Walter Scott's works.

The arrival of the shipwrecked captain, Cleveland, spoils young Mordaunt's relationship with the Troil girls, and soon a bitter rivalry grows between the two men. Minna falls in love with Cleveland, not knowing his true profession. Brenda however is in love with Mordaunt. The pirates capture the Troils, but after an encounter with the frigate HMS Halcyon, they are freed. Brenda and Mordaunt are reunited, and Minna and Clement parted.

Scottish lord Nigel Olifaunt is more than a little naive. So when he arrives in London, he's soon sucked into the chaos of the big city. Pinballing between a lively cast of petty criminals, Templers, and loan sharks, Nigel has to keep his eyes on the ultimate prize: an audience with King James I. Set in the period following the Union of the Crowns, "The Fortunes of Nigel" takes us into the heart of 17th century London-a sometimes lawless metropolis brimming with possibility. It's an intricate tale that transports you back in time. And its many larger-than-life characters are catnip for fans of Dickens.

In Restoration England, two young lovers must battle against a wild conspiracy. Julian and Alice's love has survived a lot. For one thing, their families supported different sides in the English Civil War. But now the monarchy has been restored, bringing with it a terrifying new danger-the Popish Plot, which alleges the country's Catholics are planning a coup. And Julian is one of the accused. Walter Scott's "Peveril of the Peak" shows an England riven with intrigues, religious hatred, and senseless violence. And at its center, a heart-wrenching 'wrong side of the tracks' romance that echoes "Romeo and Juliet". A compelling drama for historical fiction fans.

This book contains Sir Walter Scott's 1823 historical novel, "Peveril of the Peak". Julian Peveril is a Cavalier accused of being involved with the "Popish Plot". He is also desperately in love with Alice Bridgenorth, the daughter of a Roundhead. Set in Derbyshire, it is a masterful piece of English civil war fiction and part of Scott's famous Waverley Novels series. "Peveril of the Peak" is the longest novel written by Scott and constitutes a must-read for all fans of his work. Many vintage books such as this were becoming increasingly rare or expensive. This volume is now republished in an available, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

Quentin Durward is a young Scottish archer who comes to France in order to serve in the Scottish Guard of Louis XI. Durward is sent on a deadly mission by the sneaky and evil king of France. Can he however accomplish it and preserve his life at the same time, or he will face the death? Will he find the real love and fame, or he will encounter the disappointment of leaving Scotland? "Quentin Durward" is a historical novel about chivalry, adventure and romance by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1823.

St. Ronan's Well' is a tragicomic tale of two brothers in love with the same woman. Walter Scott's trademark dramatic tension is palpable in this novel, but it is unique in the fact that it is his only novel set during the 19th century. The story revolves around a spa in a small Scottish town that is home to a large cast of highly comedic and compelling characters. Scott expertly builds suspense over the course of the novel as each character has something to hide in this satirical village. Throughout the story, dark secrets are revealed and blackmail escalates to violent confrontation as both brothers battle for the love of Clara. 'St. Ronan's Well' features some of Scott's best characters and beautifully vivid descriptions of the Scottish countryside and its satirical style is an interesting departure from his typical historical fiction. This novel should be read by fans of Scott's work but its luxurious setting and fusion of irony and high drama make it the perfect book for fans of 'The White Lotus' or 'Nine Perfect Strangers'.

Redgauntlet is a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott and part of his Waverley Novels series. Set in Dumfries, Scotland in 1765, it describes the genesis of a third Jacobite Rebellion. It also includes "Wandering Willie's Tale", a well-known short story frequently featured in anthologies. An entertaining and masterful-written novel, Redgauntlet is highly recommended for fans of English civil war fiction and is not to be missed by lovers of Scott's seminal work. Many vintage books such as this had been becoming increasingly rare or expensive. This volume is now republished in an available, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author. First published in 1824.

Darsie is heavily injured after being attacked, but this is not the only obstacle he has to go through. The mysteries about his life are slowly beginning to unravel, when he meets people who turn out to be his relatives. Who is Redgauntlet and what is his role in Darsie's life? Will Darsie overcome all the obstacles and return to his homeland? How will this story of action, mystery and adventure end? "Redgauntlet II" is the second volume of Sir Walter Scott's historical novel "Redgauntlet". The story from volume one continues with lots of surprises, incidents and action.

In this first volume of Sir Walter Scott's famous historical novel "Redgauntlet" you will meet Darsie Latimer and Alan Fairford, two very good friends who have grown up together. Darsie must not set foot in England until he is 25 because of his background, which he knows almost nothing about. While he discovers more about his past, Darsie is brought into conspiracy and his life is endangered. Will Alan manage to warn his friend on time? Will they meet someone who can throw light over Darsie's past? The story continues and becomes more tangled in the second volume of this book.

"Anne of Geierstein" is a novel written by Sir Walter Scott in 1829. Set in Central Europe subsequent to the Yorkist victory, it tells the story of two exiled Lancastrians who are on a top-secret mission to the court of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. However, their quest is put in danger when they run into difficulties in the Swiss mountains. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and not to be missed by aficionados of Scott's seminal work. Many vintage books such as this had been becoming increasingly rare or expensive. This volume is now republished in a readily available, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author. First published in 1829.

Anne of Geierstein' is a gothic romance and adventure novel by Walter Scott. For this tale, Scott abandons his typical Scottish setting as the story follows two knights on a secret mission in Switzerland in the 1470s. This is one of Scott's most critically acclaimed novels as it opens on a dramatic cliff edge scene and the suspense continues to escalate throughout. One of the knights, Arthur, meets the titular Anne and falls in love with her but quickly learns that she may have mystical powers. Danger is ever-present throughout their journey as the heroes encounter spectral beings, are kidnapped by secret organisations, and battle in a brutal war. 'Anne of Geierstein' is celebrated widely for Scott's romantic depictions of the Swiss landscape from forests to mountains and crumbling castles. This thrilling novel is the definition of a page-turner, and its gothic aspects make it the perfect read for fans of Walter Scott or 'Frankenstein'.