Ivanhoe [Abridged] [Hardcover]

Marianna Mayer (Author), John Rush (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8 - Dramatic illustrations and formal language describe a medieval world of knights and castles in this picture-book adaptation of Scott's romantic classic. Mayer stresses the basic plot and quickly establishes the facts: hatred and rivalry are strong between the Saxons and the Normans; Ivanhoe has been disowned; Rowena and Ivanhoe are in love. Two short paragraphs of historical information and a cast of characters help novices to quickly grasp the conflict that drives the tale. In this much shortened version, some characters and subplots are omitted, and some development is also lost; however, the fast-paced simplification succeeds in creating a good adventure story. The dialogue-filled narrative reads much like a screenplay or comic book where excitement and danger come to life. The plot moves swiftly from a feast at Rotherwood castle to the royal tournament, Ivanhoe's imprisonment, his subsequent rescue by Robin Hood, and finally his marriage to Rowena. Classical-style oil paintings with eye-catching colors and composition romanticize the story and reflect the tone of the text. Illuminated letters and elegant drawings appear in the borders, making the pages reminiscent of medieval manuscripts. This title may be enjoyed as an accessible introduction to a great work of literature. - Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. This large-format book offers a series of brief, dramatic scenes smoothly knit together to retell Scott's classic. Though the large cast of sketchily drawn characters is not particularly memorable as presented here, young readers who enjoy stories set in medieval times may be intrigued by the tale of adventure and romance. Mayer concludes with an excellent note on Scott's life and his influence on her work. With a full-page or smaller picture appearing on each double-page spread, Rush's series of dramatic oil paintings will draw readers to this edition. The artist's figure drawing and composition, combined with a rich use of color, recall illustrators such as Howard Pyle and N. C. Wyeth. A handsome abridged edition. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 56 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; abridged edition edition (October 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587172488
• ISBN-13: 978-1587172489
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #491,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing artwork, January 29, 2006

By 

Art lover - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ivanhoe (Hardcover)

This paintings in this book are of a quality one hardly sees any more in contemporary book illustration. Though made recently, they revive the chilvalry of the Middle Ages viewed through the 19th century romantic vision of this period. Especially the "knight on horse" images are stunning, but let me not forget the pyre, about to singe a beautiful maiden, of course she is rescued. I can highly recommend this wonderful book, a treasure to cherish.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Illustrations, November 17, 2006

By 

John A. Johnson (Kettering, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ivanhoe (Hardcover)

John Rush is a fantastic illustrator that brings to life the mystic of mid-evil times. My favorite is "Grand Master". It's such a dynamic depiction of an anxious situation. I bet Mr Rush had a wonderful time creating these images. His technique does not lend itself to "advanced technology" that is so popular today with computer images.
I purchased this for my grandson, with the thought that he should attack his chosen craft with the passion that this illustrator does in his work.
Well done Mr Rush,!!
John A Johnson UCID '71

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, January 27, 2011

By 

Wael Qahoush (Riverside, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ivanhoe (Hardcover)

I read this book to my two boys and we loved the story! Even though I haven't read the unabridged version (which I recently purchased), this adaptation by Marianna Mayer is a great introduction to the original novel. Now we can't wait for the opportunity to read the original story! I agree with the general reading level of 9-12 years of age; however, I think that it could be read to or by younger children and be easily understood by them as well. (One of my boys is 7 y/o and he enjoyed it.) We are studying the Middle Ages this year (some knowledge of this period is helpful to better understand the novel) and this book, although a fiction story, has been a wonderful addition to our studies. L. Qahoush