Many writers and artists in the nineteenth century looked to the Middle Ages as a highpoint of chivalric honour, innocent belief and romantic passion. The works of Walter Scott, Alfred Tennyson and William Morris, for example, were all widely read and emulated. Victorians loved Scott not only because he was a wonderful storyteller but also because he brought them romance, exoticism, and adventure but reassured them that the English middle class orderly way — their way — was the way of the future. Scott's historical settings, effective use of dialect, and often tragic action offered guiltless, non-threatening indulgence in adventure and romance. Unlike the Pugin, Carlyle and Ruskin, all of whom used the middle ages to attack contemporary society and its beliefs, Scott allowed the Victorians to have their cake and eat it - though shouldn't it be, "eat their cake and have it?" For the modern reader Scott’s novels might, at first, seem a bit off-putting given their length and somewhat archaic language. However if approached in the manner that Scott wrote, quickly and with a light sensibility, it becomes apparent that his works are are not merely works of art, but brilliant pieces of myth-making. Like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, his books permit readers access to vanished worlds of wonder, worlds that no longer fit in present-day existence. 

 We carefully package + ship all orders within three days of receiving the orders. International shipping: additional postage may be required, please feel free to contact us-Note: As we are professional booksellers, not photographers, at-times there will be imperfections, shadows, discoloration etc due to the process. We will be delighted to send additional photos at your request.