Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832) was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright, and poet, he was the first to attain international popularity in his lifetime and many of his novels have become classics. Scott achieved international fame through his poetry, but he wanted to write novels documenting his research into the oral tradition of the Scottish Borders. This type of literature was considered inferior to poetry as a vehicle for expressing historical epics. Hence, he started writing the Waverley Novels anonymously. As more and more novels were published he became known as "The Author of Waverley" or "The Wizard of the North". Amongst some circles it was an open secret that Scott was the author, but he maintained the facade. In 1815 he dined George, Prince Regent, who wanted to meet the "Author of Waverley". This volume contains the second three Waverley Novels: Rob Roy gives us a first-hand view of Scottish Highland and Lowland society, and the way the regions viewed each other just before the 1715 Jacobite Rising. Frank Osbaldistone is the protagonist and having quarrelled with his father, he is sent to stay with his uncle, in Northumberland.
This is a book filled with mystery, suspense, swashbuckling adventure and romance. In this novel, there is an aura of mystery around Rob Roy and a most beautiful romance with Diana who is a fascinating and captivating character. Ivanhoe is based in Medieval England and is the ultimate chivalric novel. Ivanhoe, is an ally of Richard-the-Lion-Hearted and returns from the Crusades to reclaim his inheritance. Chivalry, romance, knights in shining armour, the plight of Jews, mystery, suspense, Robin Hood and his merry men, castles complete with jesters, battles, damsels in distress, evil conspirators, jousts, humour. It's all there. Kenilworth is a romantic story, the chief character being Amy Robsart who is married to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, however he wants to keep the marriage a secret. He is determined to win the heart of the Virgin Queen Elizabeth and his evil genius is unleashed when she comes to stay at Kenilworth Castle in 1575.
