Before You Begin

Before you begin.

In the forests and valleys of northern England, the year is 1194. King Richard remains far from home, powerful barons hold the country in their grasp, and the old Saxon households live beside their Norman neighbours. Rotherwood Hall stands at the edge of the forest, while a tournament at Ashby draws travellers, lords, and knights toward the lists.

At the heart of Walter Scott's 1819 historical romance is Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a knight returning to a divided kingdom. Around him gather Cedric the Saxon, Rowena, Rebecca, a company of outlaws, and the rulers who seek influence in Richard's absence. Forest roads, timber halls, castles, and tournament grounds shape a story of loyalty, courage, and competing claims to power.

This edition opens with an illustrated guide to the people, places, and relationships of the novel. As you read, each chapter recap gathers the stretch just completed, and one Story Medallion marks a passage from that chapter. Begin with the gallery, then enter the story in the forest country of the River Don.