Ivanhoe

By: Sir Walter Scott

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Length: 19 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Sir Walter Scott's most popular novel, and the first of his works to be set in England, Ivanhoe was first published in 1819.

During the reign of Richard I, Wilfred of Ivanhoe earns his father's disapproval by falling in love with Rowena, his father's ward. His father had planned to wed her himself, and reestablish the Saxon line.

Ivanhoe serves with Richard I during the Crusades, while the King's brother attempts to take the throne for himself in his brother's absence. When Richard I and Ivanhoe return, a series of adventures takes place against the backdrop of a tournament where Knights Templar are entered into contests. Ivanhoe catches the eye of Rebecca, a beautiful and courageous Jew; he is taken prisoner, along with his father and hers, and Rowena as well; and they rely upon one Locksley (Robin Hood) and his band of outlaws to set them free. When Rebecca is subsequently charged with witchcraft, she asks Ivanhoe to champion her in a trial by combat. But have his affections shifted, or does he still love Rowena?

Sir Walter Scott's fanciful, vivid reinterpretation of medieval life makes for a successful novel that blends fact, myth, and romance.

(P)1998 Blackstone Audiobooks. Originally published in England in 1819.

Could have used a better narrator.

A good book that was badly read. Falsetto, breathy voices for the women. Harsh, brusque voices for the men. No feeling at all in the narration. Even when the words say the women are "in terror", their voices sound like they are carrying on an ordinary conversation. Just badly done.

Great story, and great reading

What a clever and often comical heroic tale. If you enjoy Robin Hood and the like ilk, you will very definitely enjoy listening to Ivanhoe.

One person mentioned that being unable to listen to it because of the anti-Semitism. However, had they listened, they would have recognized that the author was mocking the hypocrisy, false piety, and self-righteous pride of those who engaged in such wicked words and evil actions. It was a jest upon their characters, which sometimes made me laugh out loud.

I hope others of you enjoy it as much as I did.

Great Scott!

I didn’t realize that Ivanhoe concerns the rampant antisemitism of medieval Britain as much as it does chivalry and gallantry. How delightful that Wilfred of Ivanhoe rescues a Jewish heroine from a bigoted inquisitor! The historic-fantastic plot and complex characters in this novel are stupendous. The performance is sublime.

Delightfully stilted speech and pomposity

Enter the chivalrous excesses of Merrie England in the days of Robin Hood and Richard the Coeur de Lyon, and the skullduggery of Prince John, through the witty eyes of Sir Walter Scott. Settle in for a long and verbose wandering through Sherwood and environs, amidst smashing of staves and swashbuckling last-second saves. If you don't mind spending the first, oh, what is the audio-equivalent of many pages? in a description of the dress and mein of two merely supporting characters, this may be the story for you.It is hard to "come to" in the 21st century, after this listen.

Ivanhoe

The narrator is captivating, and I found this audio book to be one of the most enjoyable I have listened to. Many may have the impression that Ivanhoe is an uninspired children's story, but this Sir Walter Scott novel is rich in detail and plot, and thoroughly intriguing.

Good Swashbuckling Tale

This is not quite as good as Three Musketeers but slightly better than Scaramouche. All three are in the same genre. All were enjoyable.
This takes the story accross the Channel and to an earlier time. The Normans are enjoyably evil and clever. Galantry is alive and well. The story has many twists and turns.
Recommended.

Ivanhoe

I enjoyed the story, but it was, at times hard to follow. probably because it was written so long ago. And styles of entertainment have changed. But a good story nonetheless.

Good Read. Off-putting reading.

Although I thought he did a wonderful job of reading Great Expectations, Federick's reading of Ivanhoe was so off-putting I had to get another version to finish listening to. The reader's cadences and pauses were too much of a distraction and hindered my understanding of the text.

Romance and Adventure set in a divided England

I enjoy the plot with its twists and turns and the dry humor of the author. I also really appreciated the glimpse into the life of England when there were such fierce hatreds between people as are displayed in this book. People say there is little of historical accuracy in this work, but I don't think that detracts at all from my enjoyment.

A great listen

This was my first audiobook. I was determined to begin listening to all the classics that I never have time to actually read. I searched for the longest book that I could find that seemed interesting and "Ivanhoe" fit the bill.
I was truly impressed by the story. First I had to wait for an hour to get through the introduction and the forward, which didn't bode well for keeping my interest in audiobooks. After this however, the story began and soon I found myself listening at every spare moment.
It is a tale of knights and chivalry. Appearances by King Richard the lionhearted, Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, and Prince John, along with Ivanhoe and the two women who loved him, kept me entranced. At times the language was haughty and some words were unfamiliar to me. (It was written in the 1800's after all) But it never took away from my enjoyment of the book, and I never felt lost. There are many exciting scenes, and several suprises that are sure to keep any listener coming back for more. I was sorry when it ended.
The narrator was pleasant to listen to, having a deep english accent that complimented the story well, even when forced to sing.
All in all, an excellent book. The character of the fool, Wamba (If that is how it is spelled), was one of my favorites with many a jolly jest. If you have any interest at all in an exciting, medieval adventure/romance, with damsels in distress and knights in shining armor, then you will love this book.