Best Selling Books by Walter Scott

Through a series of adventures, a poor but doughty Scottish crusader known as Sir Kenneth proves his honor and discovers his destiny in Sir Walter Scott''s tale of chivalry, violence, virtue, romance, and deceit.

Francis Osbaldistine, the son of an English merchant, had always been different than the rest of his family. With an opposing temperament and religion than his father and younger brother, Francis dreams of writing poetry, despite his father''s desire for him to go into the family business. When Francis refuses to work for his father, he is sent away to live with his uncle, on the condition that his cousin, Rashleigh, switches places with Francis in the family business. While Francis is initially happy with this arrangement, Rashleigh has a reputation for his unruliness, which he lives up to shortly after joining the business. Soon Rashleigh gets into trouble he cannot overcome on his own. Concerned for the implications this would have on the family, Francis has no choice but to travel to Scotland to clean up Rashleigh''s mess, leading to misadventures, odd strangers, and even the chance of romance. While Francis appreciates the beauty and the exciting culture of Scotland, he meets the astonishingly eccentric Rob Roy MacGregor, who has garnered quite the reputation, leading to even more hilarity and chaos. First published over two-hundred years ago in 1817, Rob Roy is among the most comical historical novels in Sir Walter Scott''s Waverly series. Set in the 18th century, during the year of the first Jacobite uprising, Rob Roy provides modern readers with invaluable insight on the social, cultural, and economical background of Scotland and England, through its excellent representation of the two nations and their citizens during a time of tension. With compelling, unforgettable characters, Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott is as entertaining as it is fascinating. This edition of Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott now features an eye-catching new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of Rob Roy crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original mastery of Sir Walter Scott''s literature.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

"The latter part of the fifteenth century prepared a train of future events that ended by raising France to that state of formidable power which has ever since been from time to time the principal object of jealousy to the other European nations. Before that period she had to struggle for her very existence with the English already possessed of her fairest provinces while the utmost exertions of her King, and the gallantry of her people, could scarcely protect the remainder from a foreign yoke. Nor was this her sole danger. The princes who possessed the grand fiefs of the crown, and, in particular, the Dukes of Burgundy and Bretagne, had come to wear their feudal bonds so lightly that they had no scruple in lifting the standard against their liege and sovereign lord, the King of France, on the slightest pretence. When at peace, they reigned as absolute princes in their own provinces; and the House of Burgundy, possessed of the district so called, together with the fairest and richest part of Flanders, was itself so wealthy, and so powerful, as to yield nothing to the crown, either in splendor or in strength. "In imitation of the grand feudatories, each inferior vassal of the crown assumed as much independence as his distance from the sovereign power, the extent of his fief, or the strength of his chateau enabled him to maintain; and these petty tyrants, no longer amenable to the exercise of the law, perpetrated with impunity the wildest excesses of fantastic oppression and cruelty. . . ." -- Sir Walter Scott

This volume contains Walter Scott''s historical novel, "Rob Roy" (first published in 1817). Frank Osbaldistone, the narrator, is the son of an English merchant who embarks on a trip from the north of England to the Scottish Highlands in order to collect some money taken from his father. Set to the backdrop of the 1715 Jacobite Rising, this exciting and interesting novel will appeal to those with an interest in Scottish history. It is certainly not to be missed by fans and collectors of Scott''s seminal work. Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832) was a Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright - considered to be the first truly international English-language author. Many vintage texts such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive, and it is with this in mind that we are republishing this book now, in an affordable, high-quality, modern edition. It comes complete with a specially commissioned biography of the author.

Walter Scott''s "Waverley" is a seminal work that explores the complexities of Scottish identity during the Jacobite uprising of 1745. Presented through a vibrant narrative style, Scott deftly weaves elements of historical fiction with romanticism, offering readers not only a gripping tale but also a richly textured insight into the socio-political landscape of 18th-century Scotland. The unabridged version ensures that the nuances of characterization and thematic depth are preserved, presenting a comprehensive portrayal of the protagonist, Edward Waverley, whose journey becomes a metaphor for the struggle between tradition and modernity. Walter Scott (1771-1832), heralded as the father of historical novels, was influenced by his profound Scottish heritage and the political turmoil of his time. His experiences as a law clerk navigating the complexities of Scottish culture and his passionate interest in folklore and history provided a fertile ground for the themes explored in "Waverley." Scott''s personal connections to the Highland landscape further enrich his depiction of the period, infusing the narrative with authenticity and emotional resonance. "Waverley" is highly recommended for readers interested in historical narratives that delve into national identity and cultural conflict. Its compelling characters and vivid depictions of Scottish life make it not only an enjoyable read but also a significant contribution to the understanding of Scottish literature and history.

The fair maid of the title is Catharine Glover, daughter of a glovemaker in Perth, who kisses Henry Gow/Smith, the armourer, while he is sleeping, on Valentine''s Day. But Catharine has caught the eye of the Duke of Rothesay, and when Gow interrupts an attempted abduction, the armourer is drawn simultaneously into royal intrigue and highland feud.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Waverley; or, ''Tis Sixty Years Since Walter Scott, 1814.Waverley; or, ''Tis Sixty Years Since is a historical novel by Walter Scott (1771-1832). Scott was already famous as a poet, and chose to publish it anonymously in 1814 as his first venture into prose fiction. It is often regarded as one of the first historical novels in the Western tradition.Edward Waverley, an English gentleman of honour, chooses an occupation in the army at the time just before the Jacobite uprising of 1745 on advice of his father. He has an officer''s commission. On leave from army training, he visits friends of his family in Scotland, as he is not far from their place. He enjoys their Scottish hospitality. His head is full of the romantic notions of his unstructured education, including much reading, and he is startled to find himself in the midst of loyalists who support the return of the House of Stuart and the Stuart prince, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Young Chevalier to his supporters and as the Younger Pretender to his foes. His honour is often challenged as others interfere to push him to the Stuart side, where he is in battle, and he meets two women with whom he falls in love in turn, until he chooses one. His gentlemanly actions gain him friends in this precarious situation, on both sides of the uprising, who stand him in good stead when he is at risk from his own government when the uprising is put down.Scott chose to publish his later novels 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". The novel was well-received by contemporary critics, and well-liked by those who purchased novels in the early 19th century. It has continued in favour with later critics.In 1818 Scott was granted a baronetcy, becoming Sir Walter Scott. It was an open secret that he was "the author of Waverley", and he admitted this at a public dinner in 1827.

Ivanhoe is the story of one of the remaining Saxon noble families at a time when the English nobility was overwhelmingly Norman. It follows the Saxon protagonist, Wilfrid of Ivanhoe, who is out of favour with his father owing to his courting the Lady Rowena and for his allegiance to the Norman king Richard I of England. The story is set in 1194, after the end of the Third Crusade, when many of the Crusaders were still returning to Europe. King Richard, having been captured by the Duke of Saxony, on his way back, was still supposed to be in the arms of his captors. The legendary Robin Hood, initially under the name of Locksley, is also a character in the story, as are his ''merry men,'' including Friar Tuck and, less so, Alan-a-Dale. (Little John is merely mentioned.) The character that Scott gave to Robin Hood in Ivanhoe helped shape the modern notion of this figure as a cheery noble outlaw. Other major characters include Ivanhoe''s intractable Saxon father Cedric, a descendant of the Saxon King Harold Godwinson; various Knights Templar and churchmen; the loyal serfs Gurth the swineherd and the jester Wamba, whose observations punctuate much of the action; and the Jewish moneylender, Isaac of York, equally passionate of money and his daughter, Rebecca. The book was written and published during a period of increasing struggle for Emancipation of the Jews in England, and there are frequent references to injustice against them.