Ivanhoe

The story begins with a conversation between Gurth the swineherd and Wamba, interrupted by a Templar Knight fresh from the Crusades and an arrogant churchman. In short order we have a love triangle between the disinherited hero, Wilfred of Ivanhoe, his forbidden love, the beautiful Saxon princess Rowena, and Rebecca, the also beautiful daughter of Isaac of York, the wealthy Jewish money lender; a jousting tournament; the secret return to England of Richard the Lion Heart and his encounter with Friar Tuck; the storming of a castle with the aid of Robin Hood and his merry men; trial by combat; and a final confrontation with the evil King John.

This is an absolutely delightful novel.