Showing results by author "Walter Scott" in All Categories

Dive into Scotts The Bridal of Triermain, a mesmerizing rhymed narrative poem that intertwines the allure of English legend with dramatic themes. Follow the valiant knight, Sir Roland De Vaux, on his quest to rescue the enchanting Gyneth, the secret daughter of King Arthur. Ensnared in a magical slumber by Merlins curse, Gyneth awaits a brave and noble hero who can conquer the trials of fear, wealth, pleasure, and pride to break her enchantment. Join us on this romantic adventure filled with heroism and timeless love. (Introduction by Godsend)

In a breathtaking tale of narrative poetry, the saga unfolds during the tumultuous period when Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, finds himself exiled from Scotland, hunted by the English and their allies. As Bruce returns across the sea from the Island of Rachrin, he is forced to land near the hostile Artonish Castle on the rugged coast of Argylshire. Seeking refuge from the stormy seas, he implores Lord Ronald, the Lord of the Isles, for shelter—unbeknownst to him, its the very day of Ronalds marriage feast to the enchanting Edith of Lorn. Bruces unexpected arrival disrupts the festivities, ...

Four spine-tingling short stories from masters of the genre, read by Michael Maloney, Eleanor Bron and Andrew Sachs: 'The Phantom Coach' by Amelia B. Edwards; 'The Judge’s House' by Bram Stoker; 'The Tapestried Chamber' by Sir Walter Scott; 'The Man of Science' by Jerome K. Jerome.

Poet, novelist, critic and campaigner Walter Scott invented the historical novel and shaped the world’s image of Scotland. His tales of heroism, romance and adventure were hugely successful, outselling Jane Austen and Lord Byron, and are still popular today. Included here are adaptations of five of the best-loved books in his ‘Waverley’ series, as well as two bonus programmes.

Jonathan Oldbuck, the antiquary of the title, has a passion for the past–and delights in trying to convey it. He meets the mysteriously taciturn young Lovel and the two strike up a friendship, bonding over Roman ruins. When Lovel falls for Isabella, daughter of a local landowner, it looks like an impossible situation. Sharp, funny, gothic, romantic, and full of action, this is a thoroughly entertaining window on Scottish life in the summer of 1794: it was Scott’s intention to show the spirit of the times, and how the past affects the present–and it was his own favourite of all his novels.

This is one of Sir Walter Scott’s greatest adventures, set amongst the roaring battles of the struggle between the Normans and the Saxons for control of medieval England. It deals with the rivalry between King Richard the Lion-Heart and his brother, John. We follow the adventures, skirmishes and romances of the hero, Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight loyal to King Richard, as he attempts to survive the England of King John alongside the disguised Richard and, of course, Robin Hood.

Written in 1819 but set in 12th-century England, Ivanhoe is a tale of love struggling to survive against a violent backdrop of politics and war. Wilfred of Ivanhoe was thrown out of his father's home when he fell in love with his father Cedric's ward, Lady Rowena. Ivanhoe later returns from fighting in the Crusades and is wounded in a jousting tournament. A series of events follows, including the return of King Richard to England, resulting in Ivanhoe's reconciliation with Cedric and his marriage to Rowena.

After rejecting the life his father has laid out for him, Frank Osbaldistone is sent to the North of England to live with his Uncle, where he is to repent his sins. However, when his father's wealth and reputation are threatened, he is drawn to the Scottish Highlands, where he must retrieve a set of stolen documents. It is here that he is pulled into a number of skirmishes relating to the Jacobite uprising of 1715, and where his path frequently crosses with the mysterious maverick outlaw known as Rob Roy....

Waverley by Sir Walter Scott is an enthralling tale of love, war and divided loyalties. Taking place during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, the novel tells the story of proud English officer Edward Waverley. After being posted to Dundee, Edward eventually befriends chieftain of the Highland Clan Mac-Ivor and falls in love with his beautiful sister Flora. He then renounces his former loyalties in order actively to support Scotland in open rebellion against the Union with England. The book depicts stunning, romantic panoramas of the Highlands.

Scott's discourses on the psychological, religious, physical, and preternatural explanations for contemporary beliefs in ghosts, witches, warlocks, fairies, elves, diabolism, the occult, and even werewolvesare are essential for acolytes of the dark and macabre. The letters dealing with witch hunts, trials, and torture are morbidly compelling. Scott was neither fully pro-rational modernity nor totally anti-superstitious past.

Prince John has assembled a collection of avaricious nobles to take control of England while Richard the Lionhearted is imprisoned in Austria. This threatens to bring the country to civil war between the Norman nobles and the conquered Saxons. Standing above it all is Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a disinherited Saxon knight who has fought in the Holy Land. Now returned, he wishes to wed the fair Rowena, the highborn Saxon noble, in spite of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stand in his way.

Set against the backdrop of Scotland in 1736, Heart of Mid-Lothian unfolds a gripping historical tale filled with chaos and intrigue, centered around a riot and the turbulent events that follow. Join us as we explore the rich drama of this captivating era. - Summary by Deon Gines

Set against the rugged backdrop of Shetland in the late 1600s, The Pirate is a captivating historical novel that delves into the intriguing life of John Gow, also known as Captain Cleveland. Join us on a thrilling journey through a world of adventure, treachery, and the relentless pursuit of freedom, as narrated by Deon Gines.

The epitome of the chivalric novel, Ivanhoe sweeps listeners into Medieval England and the lives of a memorable cast of characters. Ivanhoe, a trusted ally of Richard the Lion Hearted, returns from the Crusades to reclaim his inheritance. Rebecca, a beautiful Jewish woman, is defended by Ivanhoe against a charge of witchcraft - but it is Lady Rowena who is Ivanhoe's true love. The success of this novel lies with Scott's skillful blend of historic reality, chivalric romance, and high adventure.

Unlock the Secrets of Hermetic Wisdom with Our Annotated Collection! Dive into the profound world of Hermeticism with "Total Hermeticism Philosophy (Annotated)"—a meticulously curated collection that combines three essential works, enriched with insightful annotations, bringing you an...

This is the inspiring and fast-moving story of a young prince, Charles Edward Stewart, and his audacious bid for the crown of King George. From exile in France, he sails to Scotland, rallies the Highland clans and marches on London, is defeated in the bloody battle of Culloden and flees from General "Butcher" Cumberland, and with the help of gallant Flora McDonald and loyal clansmen, eventually makes his dramatic escape.

In the captivating tale of Guy Mannering, we meet a young astrologer fresh from Oxford, whose journey through the rugged landscapes of Scotland takes an unexpected turn. When he arrives at Ellangowan, he witnesses the birth of Godfrey Bertrams son. Using his astrological skills, Mannering glimpses a future fraught with peril for the newborn. Rather than alarm the new parents, he seals his ominous predictions in a letter, instructing Bertram to read it when the child turns five. Little does he know that his fate will become intricately entwined with that of the Bertram family, leading to a ...

The Walter Scott Library brings the great historical novels of Sir Walter Scott to life through complete, immersive readings. Journey through chivalry, clan loyalty, and the dramatic landscapes of Scotland and medieval Britain - one chapter at a time. Whether you’re rediscovering classics like Ivanhoe and Waverley or exploring Scott for the first time, this podcast offers a rich literary escape into the past.

The Crusaders, led by Richard I of England, are encamped in the Holy Land, and torn by the dissensions and jealousies of the leaders, including, besides Coeur de Lion himself, Philip of France, the duke of Austria, the Marquis of Montferrat, and the Grand Master of the Templars. The army's impotence is accentuated by the illness of Richard.

Ivanhoe has never been superseded as the epitome of chivalric novels. The brave knight comes from the Crusades to claim the Anglo-Saxon princess, Rowena, as his bride. But he becomes caught up in the feud between Prince John and his brother, Richard the Lionheart, who has returned to England incognito.