My copy of The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott was published by Richard Edward King and is apparently a first edition, but not worth all that much. Presumably thousands of them were printed. I had to cut a few of the pages so I suspect that I’m the first person to finish this edition. It was first published in 1819 but in its day it was a historical novel, set after King James VII had been deposed.
The story begins with the funeral of the Master of Ravenswood, he had lost his title because he had been on the Jacobite side, and after a protracted battle with a devious lawyer he has lost almost all of his property. Edgar his son and the new laird of Ravenswood is left with only a ruin to live in with a couple of old loyal family servants who would no doubt never have been able to get a job elsewhere.
Edgar despises the lawyer Sir William Ashton, seeing him as the reason for his family’s downfall, and to make matters worse Sir William is now living on the old Ravenswood family estate. While visiting his old nanny in a cottage on the estate Edgar meets Lucy Ashton and becomes infatuated with her. Their relationship develops but when Lucy’s manipulative and controlling mother learns of it she’s determined to put a stop to it.
This story has elements of lots of old tales – Romeo and Juliet being obvious but Scott used a lot of traditional Scottish Border folk tales and ballads in his books apparently. Despite this being a tragic romance there’s quite a bit of humour involved, and I really enjoyed this one.
Lucy keeps rather a low profile for most of the book but this tale seems to have been very popular in many countries and it was even made into an opera by Donizetti in 1835, based loosely on the book.
I love your reviews. They’re concise, telling us just enough of the story to help us decide if it’s for us or not, never giving us so much of the story that we feel we don’t have to read the book. I read this one back in 1997.
Joan,
Thanks, although I’m sure some people probably think my reviews are too scanty, but like you I like to read the book for myself and just want a flavour to see if it’s something I might enjoy.
I usually enjoy Scott’s books too and this sounds like a good one. I have The Pirate on my Classics Club list, though, so I should probably read that one next.
Helen,
I loved The Pirate when I read it a few years ago, I hope you do too.
This is the Scott novel that I most want to read. It’s on my CC list too.
Jean,
I don’t know if it’s just that I’m getting more used to his wordy style or what, but I’m finding his books much easier to read nowadays. I think you’ll enjoy it.
What fun having to cut the pages! I often read about people doing that in older books, but have never had that pleasure myself. I’m the same with Scott – I keep putting him off but always enjoy him when I do finally read one. Haven’t read this one, but it sounds good. Glad you enjoyed your spin!
FictionFan,
I wish I had a proper paper knife to do the job neatly! I think Scott’s The Pirate is my favourite by him so far. I don’t know which one to read next though.
I’ve never read anything by Sir Walter Scott, though i know he was incredibly popular once upon a time. Glad you finally got to this book. I read Kindred by Octavia Butler. I’d be honored if you took a peek at my review. Thanks. Kindred Review
Anne,
Thanks for dropping by. Walter Scott’s books are very wordy but you get used to his style. I like the sound of Kindred and had never heard of it although Jack has read it. That’s the good thing about The Classics Club, you end up hearing about and reading books you probably wouldn’t have read otherwise.
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