# Ivanhoe

> 1819 novel by Walter Scott

**Wikidata**: [Q840974](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q840974)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivanhoe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ivanhoe

## Summary
Ivanhoe is a historical novel written by Walter Scott, first published in 1819. Set in medieval England, it explores the conflict between Saxons and Normans, featuring iconic characters like Robin Hood. The novel is celebrated for popularizing historical fiction and influencing the Romantic literary movement.

## Key Facts
- **Publication Date**: December 20, 1819
- **Author**: Walter Scott, a Scottish novelist, poet, and playwright (1771–1832)
- **Genre**: Historical fiction, literary work
- **Setting**: Medieval England, focusing on the conflict between Saxons and Normans
- **Notable Characters**: Wilfred of Ivanhoe, Robin Hood, Rebecca, Cedric the Saxon
- **Themes**: Chivalry, religious tolerance, social class, and national identity
- **Publisher**: Constable & Robinson (imprint of Little, Brown)
- **Series**: Part of the Waverley Novels series
- **Language**: English
- **Adaptations**: Numerous film, television, and stage adaptations
- **Cultural Impact**: Revived interest in medieval history and influenced the development of historical fiction
- **Literary Significance**: Exemplifies Scott's storytelling style and thematic focus on history and culture
- **Related Entities**: 
  - **Preceded By**: *The Monastery* (1817)
  - **Succeeded By**: *A Legend of Montrose* (1819)
  - **Connected Works**: *Waverley* (1814), *Rob Roy* (1817)
  - **Author's Other Works**: *Old Mortality* (1816), *The Lady of the Lake* (1809)
- **Identifiers**:
  - **Open Library ID**: OL863808W
  - **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11ggpjdkz_
  - **VIAF ID**: 192149106310648311454
  - **LC Authorities**: 190979
  - **BNF ID**: 1196408
  - **SUDOC ID**: 14575
  - **WorldCat Identities**: lccn-nr99035179

## FAQs
**What is Ivanhoe about?**  
Ivanhoe narrates the story of Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight who returns from the Crusades to find his homeland under Norman rule. The novel explores themes of loyalty, religious tolerance, and social class through its depiction of medieval England.

**Who wrote Ivanhoe and when was it published?**  
Walter Scott authored Ivanhoe, which was first published on December 20, 1819. It is part of his Waverley Novels series and solidified his reputation as a pioneer of historical fiction.

**What makes Ivanhoe significant in literature?**  
Ivanhoe is notable for popularizing historical fiction and influencing the Romantic movement. Its vivid portrayal of medieval life and characters like Robin Hood helped shape public perception of the era and inspired subsequent writers.

**How has Ivanhoe been adapted and received culturally?**  
The novel has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and TV series, ensuring its enduring popularity. It remains a staple of English literature, celebrated for its storytelling and historical depth.

**What are the key themes and characters in Ivanhoe?**  
Key themes include chivalry, religious conflict, and national identity. Major characters are Wilfred of Ivanhoe, the noble Saxon knight; Rebecca, a Jewish healer; and Cedric the Saxon, embodying resistance to Norman rule.

**What other works is Ivanhoe connected to?**  
Ivanhoe is part of Walter Scott's Waverley Novels series, preceded by *The Monastery* (1817) and followed by *A Legend of Montrose* (1819). It shares thematic and stylistic elements with Scott's other works like *Waverley* and *Rob Roy*.

## Why It Matters
Ivanhoe matters as a foundational text in historical fiction, revitalizing interest in medieval history and shaping the genre's development. Walter Scott's masterful storytelling and well-researched historical context set a new standard for literary authenticity. The novel's exploration of religious tolerance and social class resonated with 19th-century audiences and continues to offer insights into the human experience. Its cultural impact extends beyond literature, influencing art, film, and popular perceptions of medieval England. Ivanhoe's enduring relevance lies in its ability to balance entertainment with edification, making history accessible and engaging for readers worldwide.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Historical Fiction**: Ivanhoe helped establish historical fiction as a respected literary genre, influencing authors like Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy.
- **Iconic Characters**: The novel introduced enduring figures like Robin Hood and Rebecca, who have become cultural archetypes.
- **Cultural Revival**: It sparked a renewed interest in medieval history and culture, contributing to the Romantic movement's focus on the past.
- **Adaptation Legacy**: With numerous adaptations, Ivanhoe remains a bridge between classic literature and modern media.
- **Thematic Depth**: Its exploration of religious tolerance and social conflict remains relevant, offering timeless commentary on human nature.

## Body

### Publication and Context
Ivanhoe was published on December 20, 1819, by Constable & Robinson, an imprint of Little, Brown. It is part of Walter Scott's Waverley Novels series, which includes *Waverley* (1814) and *Rob Roy* (1817). The novel was preceded by *The Monastery* (1817) and followed by *A Legend of Montrose* (1819), reflecting Scott's prolific output during this period.

### Plot and Themes
Set in 12th-century England, Ivanhoe follows the Saxon knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe as he navigates the tensions between Saxons and Normans. Key themes include chivalry, religious tolerance, and national identity, exemplified through characters like Rebecca, a Jewish healer, and Cedric the Saxon, who resists Norman rule. The novel's depiction of medieval life, including the legendary Robin Hood, blends historical events with fictionalized narratives.

### Literary Significance
Ivanhoe is celebrated for its meticulous historical research and engaging storytelling, which set a new standard for historical fiction. Scott's work influenced the Romantic literary movement by emphasizing emotion, imagination, and the power of the past to shape identity. The novel's impact is evident in later authors, such as Charles Dickens, who acknowledged Scott's influence on their writing.

### Cultural Impact and Adaptations
Ivanhoe's cultural significance extends beyond literature. It has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and television series, cementing its place in popular culture. The novel's themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring its relevance in contemporary discussions about history, religion, and social justice.

### Author and Historical Context
Walter Scott, born on August 15, 1771, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a key figure in the Romantic movement. His works, including Ivanhoe, reflected his fascination with Scottish and medieval history. Scott's innovative approach to historical fiction, blending factual events with compelling narratives, helped democratize history, making it accessible to a broad audience.

### Related Works and Legacy
Ivanhoe is connected to Scott's broader literary output, including *Old Mortality* (1816) and *The Lady of the Lake* (1809). The novel's legacy is preserved through various identifiers, such as its VIAF ID (192149106310648311454) and WorldCat Identities (lccn-nr99035179), ensuring its recognition in academic and literary circles. Ivanhoe remains a testament to Scott's enduring influence on literature and popular culture.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL863808W/Ivanhoe?edition=key%3A/books/OL24211193M)
4. [British Fiction, 1800–1829](http://www.british-fiction.cf.ac.uk/titleDetails.asp?title=1820A062)
5. Price One Penny
6. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute