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The Lady of the Lake
by
Walter Scott
The Lady of the Lake is a narrative poem first published in 1810. Set in the Trossachs region of Scotland, it comprises six cantos, each of which concerns the action of a single day. The poem has three main plots: the contest among three men, Roderick Dhu, James Fitz-James, and Malcolm Graeme, to win the love of Ellen Douglas; the feud and reconciliation of King James V of...more
Paperback, 276 pages
Published
April 28th 2008
by Wildside Press
(first published 1810)
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Amazingly, this used to be taught in the 9th grade at the turn of the last century. Don't know if our students could read it today. The story is wonderful and would make a romantic and action-packed film. At his best, Sir Walter Scott is eloquent and the story flows through it's poetic cantos so quickly that one can't put it down. Some parts however, drag a bit for a modern audience. Based loosely on the reign of James V, King of Scotland, and the beautiful Ellen, this is an almost forgotten yet...more
I found the copy of this book that I have under a floor board in our barn. The copyright is 1882 and there are notes written all through it in an old-style cursive from a student that was apparently studying the book at school.
I love the description .. each seperate sonnet or poem takes you to new surroundings, and when I'm not pre-occupied with other thoughts while reading these, I find myself feeling the emotions described. I read this to my children at bed time to calm them do...more
I love the description .. each seperate sonnet or poem takes you to new surroundings, and when I'm not pre-occupied with other thoughts while reading these, I find myself feeling the emotions described. I read this to my children at bed time to calm them do...more
The edition of the book that I have has been on the bookshelf in my home since I was a child. The entire work is written in prose and though it took a handful of pages to become accustomed to, it was absolutely worth it. the story was fantastic, and the versatile use of language required to maintain the prose without becoming predictable or cliche was a pleasure to read. If you can get this in that version I highly recommend it.
I read this in bits and pieces over several months, so I lost the narrative thread a few times. But it was great. First Scott I’ve really read, I think, and oh! You can SEE the scenery when he describes it. And some of the characterization is awesome. And the reveal of the true person of James FitzJames at the end – beautiful!
It sings itself. I've heard it many times and places called the ultimate description of the part of Scotland in which it's set, so I was eager to read it. What I didn't know was that it would carry me along on its wings refusing to put me down until it was over. What a romantic ballad and how infinitely descriptive. A joy to read!
An excellent narrative poem if you need a little more verse in your life. It's got everything that a work in verse should have: chivalry, Scottish clans, feats of strength, green tights, war, a mad druid and of course a lovely maid, and should almost be read out loud it's so beautiful at times. I also learned a thing or two about Scottish history... and also American history: (coming from Wikipedia...) Frederick Douglass takes his last name from one of the families in this poem.
The Lady of the Lake is not only an excellent poem - well structured and compelling - but it is also extremely readable, which immediately drew me to it. I found myself hooked, drawn into the tale and into the words themselves.
I bought this 1919 edition at an antique store in Boothbay Harbour, ME. It's on my shelf for life even if I never finish it!
I FINALLY finished it! The beginning is very confusing with introducing a lot of characters at once and trying to figure out who's talking and who's who. But towards the end, it all started to fall into place and get exciting with war, love, politics, and the most wonderful descriptions. I think if I went back to read it again I would enjoy it doubly since I no...more
I FINALLY finished it! The beginning is very confusing with introducing a lot of characters at once and trying to figure out who's talking and who's who. But towards the end, it all started to fall into place and get exciting with war, love, politics, and the most wonderful descriptions. I think if I went back to read it again I would enjoy it doubly since I no...more
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Nothing is better than a long poem.
Good stuff. Fun. Had to look up a few things (who's Dunledin? Oh, he's a mountain). It would be a lot of fun to read out loud to somebody. I'll read this again someday.
Once again I enjoyed the rhythm of the prose, but got lost in working out who was who and what happened. Perhaps I read it too fast.
About Lady of the Lake: Enjoyed it overall--right now I wouldn't call the poetic narrative form a favorite, but there were certainly moments that I liked.
I haven't read the other poems yet.
I haven't read the other poems yet.
I'm not entirely sure if I like rhymed poetry but there are some beautiful parts and Scotland is always appreciated.
I just don't really like poetry... Does that make me a bad person?
The Lady of the Lake by Walter Scott
The Lady of the Lake is a narrative poem set in the Trossachs region of Scotland. There are three main plots going at once: the constant war between the high and lowland Scots (the "Gaels" and "Saxons"), a battle between three men to win the heart of the young and alluring Ellen Douglas, and the feud and eventual rapprochement that occurs between James V (cunningly disguised and going by the alias James Fitz-James) and James Douglas. This is the first of Scott's work I've rea...more
great book
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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sir Walter Scott was born on August 15, 1771 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Scott created and popularized historical novels in a series called the Waverley Novels. In his novels Scott arranged the plots and characters so the reader enters into the lives of both great ...more
More about Walter Scott...
Sir Walter Scott was born on August 15, 1771 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Scott created and popularized historical novels in a series called the Waverley Novels. In his novels Scott arranged the plots and characters so the reader enters into the lives of both great ...more
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