Tales of Crusaders: The Betrothed & The Talisman

The Betrothed is the first of two Tales of the Crusaders. The action takes place in the Welsh Marches during the latter part of the reign of Henry II, after 1187. Eveline, the 16-year-old daughter of Sir Raymond Berenger, is rescued from a Welsh siege by the forces of Damian Lacy. She is betrothed to his uncle, Sir Hugo, who leaves on a crusade. Rebels led by Ranald Lacy attempt to kidnap her, and Damian fights them off, but a confused sequence of events convinces the King that she and her beloved are in league against him._x000D_ _x000D_ The Talisman takes place at the end of the Third Crusade, mostly in the camp of the Crusaders in Palestine. Scheming and partisan politics, as well as the illness of King Richard the Lionheart, are placing the Crusade in danger. The main characters are the Scottish knight Kenneth, a fictional version of David of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon, who returned from the third Crusade in 1190; Richard the Lionheart; Saladin; and Edith Plantagenet, a relative of Richard._x000D_ _x000D_ Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright and poet. He was the first modern English-language author to have a truly international career in his lifetime, with many contemporary readers in Europe, Australia, and North America. His novels and poetry are still read, and many of his works remain classics of both English-language literature and of Scottish literature. Famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of the Lake, Waverley, The Heart of Midlothian and The Bride of Lammermoor.

Sir Walter Scott, born on August 15, 1771, in Edinburgh, Scotland, is widely esteemed for his role as a principal founder of the historical novel genre. Educated at the University of Edinburgh, Scott initially pursued a legal career before his literary pursuits claimed his focus. His romantic portrayal of Scotland's past, combined with a keen understanding of human character, earned him worldwide fame. In 1814, he published 'Waverley', his first novel, anonymously, and it was met with immediate success. The novel would set a precedent for his later works, blending vivid historical detail with fictive narrative. Scott's 'Tales of the Crusaders', which includes 'The Betrothed' and 'The Talisman', was published in 1825 as part of his broader 'Waverley Novels' series. These tales showcase his gift for marrying history and legend, enthralling readers with the chivalric age of Richard the Lionheart and the Third Crusade. His understanding of the period's political and religious nuances is intricately woven into these narratives, demonstrating his masterful storytelling and profound appreciation for the past. Scott's literary contributions go beyond the historical novel, as he was also a poet, playwright, and biographer. His works remain influential, having left an indelible mark on both the literary landscape and the cultural identity of Scotland. Despite the challenges of ill health and financial woes, Scott continued to write until his death on September 21, 1832, leaving a legacy celebrated to this day.