This romantic adventure story, set in the feudal period, tells of the days of chivalry. Historical events following the Norman Conquest form the background of the novel which portrays the two contrasting groups of twelfth century England: the dispossessed Saxons, somewhat sturdy and unimaginative, and their Norman conquerors, brilliant, ruth-less but knightly.

The principal historical event concerns the return of Richard the Lionhearted from the Crusades, to find John his brother, a usurper on the throne. The fictional romance concerns Ivanhoe, an honoured knight and favourite of King Richard.

The story is dominated by the vital and attractive Rebecca who is a perfect foil to the gentle Rowena. Other important characters include Ulrica, the Saxon Cedric, the Norman Malvoisin, all of whom are drawn with incomparable fidelity.

In addition to his introduction to the book itself, this volume contains a most illuminating and informative essay on Scott by Sir H. J. C. Grierson, late Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature, University of Edinburgh.