Ivanhoe

by Marianna Mayer (Adaptor), Walter Scott, John Rush (Illustrator)

At the dawn of the Middle Ages, a gripping tale of chivalry and suspense emerges. Two distinguished knights -- one Saxon, one Norman -- have returned from the Crusades. Though they fought on the same side, they now have a score to settle. What begins as a joust between two rivals quickly escalates into clanwide mayhem and a fast-paced series of battles for revenge, honor, and love.
Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe was one of the first great historical novels of western literature. At last, this extraordinary work has been brought to life as a lavishly illustrated storybook. Marianna Mayer's inspired adaptation combined with magnificent oil paintings by John Rush create an essential introduction to the classic. This exquisitely designed page-turning volume is perfect for anyone with a passion for adventure.

Genres: Classics, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Fiction, Childrens, Historical, Adventure

56 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2004

About the author

Marianna Mayer is a children's book author and artist recognized for her beautifully written retellings of classic folk and fairy tales. Born in New York City, she began her artistic training early and studied at the Art Students League after a year of college. Her first book was published at the age of nineteen. Mayer has authored several acclaimed works, including Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave, Pegasus, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses, often collaborating with renowned illustrators such as Kinuko Y. Craft and Michael Hague. She was previously married to illustrator Mercer Mayer.

Reviews

[Liane Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice adaptation complete with illustrations. W was very interested in my copy of Ivanhoe from book club based on the picture of a knight on the front so I thought this would be a fun read to share with him. It was pretty over his head but it will be a good one to revisit down the road before he dips his toes into the real book.

[Saverio Bondì · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anni fa' presi questo libro tra gli scaffali di un' impolverata biblioteca più per la copertina che per il contenuto in sé. Mi devo ricredere. Un poema epico di quelli che si studiano al liceo letto con calma e curiosità può sorprendere. Le gesta di cavalieri erranti al tempo di Riccardo cuor di leone e Robin Hood possono ancora emozionare un ragazzo del ventunesimo secolo. Lettura un po' più pesante del solito che però non deve spaventare vista in ottica di un romanzo ottocentesco.

[Robert Hund · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was first read in high school, about 48 years ago. It was an exciting adventure story. On rereading I find it is still exciting but a 16 year old's rather restricted view of life and family taught parochial intolerance and missed the message. I didn't know what a Jew was except someone who killed Christ and practiced secret rites where Christian children were killed and eaten, and were to be avoided - at least according to family friend, Peggy Hughes. That was pretty much what my father, mother and Aunt Florence thought, too. It seemed to me that Ivanhoe's message supported their thinking.

The occupation of France by Germany during the second war paralled the occupation of England by the Normans. Scott could not have foreseen this 20th century event, but isn't it fascinating to think that maybe he did? It was something I could relate to. The Normans were the Nazis. If the King of England were more like Winston Churchill (and had a united country working with him) perhaps the invaders would have been repulsed.

I suppose some in my English Lit class recognized bigotry for what it is. I didn't. Now, with all my education I have a choice.

[Diario de un lector · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me encantan las historias de caballeros, justas, caballos, armaduras, duelos, etc.
Esta es una maravilla, claro que si, pero por momentos se me ha hecho eterna...
Hay pasajes muy entretenidos, pero sir Walter Scott se enrolla como las persianas con muchas descripciones.
Además el título del libro algo regulero, creo que va de todo menos de Ivanhoe...

[Trang Linh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bối cảnh xã hội hùng tráng chi tiết và cụ thể.
Nhân vật vua mình không thích lắm, có cảm giác ông ấy hợp làm một hiệp sĩ lang thang hơn là một ông vua tốt. Một con người không thích hợp để quản lý cả một đất nước.
Trong truyện rất ấn tượng với những con người mang trong mình tinh thần thượng mã đầy hào hiệp của những kỵ sĩ Anh quả cảm và anh dũng. Chí khí anh hùng đầy trượng nghĩa và những nét đẹp văn hóa một thời làm mình khâm phục.
Tuy nhiên tác giả còn nói quá hơi nhiều khi xây dựng hình ảnh về hai cha con người Do Thái, nhất là lão cha nổi bật với tính kẹt xỉ, tính toán và hằng hà sa số các tính xấu khác của một con người ki bo có tiền có của mà ta có thể nghĩ ra.
Có lẽ tác giả đã ăn quả đắng một lần nên mới chua cay như thế khi miêu tả lão già cho vay nặng lãi người Do Thái ấy. :)

[Bianca Ortega · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ivanhoe es un libro de ficción historica romántica, dentro de un contexto de enfrentamiento entre Sajones y Normandos durante el reinado de Ricardo, corazón de león. Se nos introducen una gran cantidad de personajes con diferentes objetivos, entre los cuales destaca nuestro protagonista Ivanhoe, seguimos sus aventuras que incluyen torneos, conspiraciones y batallas.
Durante la lectura me detuve varias veces para comprender los datos y características de la época en la cual se narraban los hechos, porque es fundamental para seguir el ritmo de la historia.
Lo recomiendo a quienes disfruten de las tramas que giran alrededor de un contexto historico bastante rico y un indebido romance.

[Esteban Martos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Son de los libros que leí en mi niñez y adolescencia y me despertaban la imaginación, es un clásico de la novela medieval por excelencia, personajes muy interesantes como Robin Locksley (Robin Hood), Ricardo Corazón de León, Juan Sintierra, El caballero sajón (Wilfredo de Ivanhoe), Lady Rowena entre otros.
Muy recomendable

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianna Mayer beautifully retells Walter Scott's classic Ivanhoe. Her retelling is engaging and relatable for the modern reader, and most likely will cause the reader to tackle the original. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the lushly gorgeous illustrations.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cartoons (each about 50 minutes long) available here and here.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivanhoe is my favorite book ever. I've read it so many times I've lost count

[Bat713 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this classic on my bookshelf and always wanted to read it.So I did. Now I know finally who Ivanho was. I read the graphic novel though.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice quick overview of the story. I'd like to read the full book sometime.

[Marquise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice illustrations by Mayer, but not the best rendition of "Ivanhoe" out there.

[Lukas Bravo Nicolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

El libro tiene un inicio algo lento, pero es una buena historia de caballeros

[Congetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the method of introducing myself or my son to a harder work by reading an adaptation (ideally picture book adaptation) of it, so that when we read the original, we can enjoy the story and language used. This was a great introduction to a romantic, medieval adventure. We are both looking forward to reading/listening to the original some day. If I can get a used copy of this book, it would be a great addition to my library.

[Staciel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is the mark of a great book? One that inspires you to seek out and read other great books!

I am currently reading another utterly fantastic book (stay tuned to hear all about it in a couple of days), and it inspired me to get up early this morning and pick up this beautifully illustrated abridged version of the classic tale, Ivanhoe.

This retelling adapted by Marianna Mayer was wonderful and as I said previously, beautifully illustrated..I've had it on my shelf for years since my oldest did a long stint in reading about knights, etc... but I'd never picked it up on my own.

Now that I have, I may just be inspired to read Ivanhoe in its entirety one day,.

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adapted and illustrated version of Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe is a quick and entertaining read. We read it as part of our Middle Ages history lesson about the Normans. We have so much ground to cover in our history texts that sometimes we are required to read adapted or abridged versions of literature. Ivanhoe, however, is one of those stories I would like to return to in the future to read aloud the original text.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shortened retelling of Ivanhoe with really good editing and great illustrations. I used this to prepare my kids for heavier reading, because really, the first time I cracked the original novel open, I thought my head would spin from the sentence structures alone. Learned to read and love the original, and used this children's version to ease the kids in. Now they love the original too!

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I don't believe in abridging classics (I see it as "dumbing them down"), but this adaptation serves as an introduction to Sir Walter Scott's novel rather than a replacement for it. Plus it's full of breathtakingly beautiful pictures. Highly recommended for middle-grade kids who are old enough to appreciate the plot without being ready yet for the complexity of Scott's language.

[Kelly RAley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this recently and can fully attest to why it is a CLASSIC! What a wonderfully crafted tale. I would say that it is a little hard to get into, but once the cadence of the language is in your head, it is a wonderful story. I can't believe it took me this long to read it. Highly recommend!

[Andrea M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this abridged version made me want to read the whole thing. It was romantic and moral. I was pleasantly surprised. This version of the book is short enough to be read in an hour. Recommended in the Tapestry homeschool curriculum for middle school aged kids.

[Kirsten Karlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a beauty to flip thru, thanx to fabulous illustrations by John Rush!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful tale of knights in shining armor. And all of the honor that goes with it. Terrific story.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic children's literature.

[Erneilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As historical fiction, a little stiff - people just don't talk like that today. But a fun read.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

simple with lovely illustrations. a good introduction.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good retelling of the classic Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. The illustrations are wonderful. Of course as the author tells with it being a children's book some details and events were left out.

[Gwyneth Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing about this book, for me, is the development of Rachael's character.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-done abridged children's version.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great retelling. 5 stars for the beautiful pictures!!