Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 77 votes)
5 stars
26(34%)
4 stars
28(36%)
3 stars
23(30%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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77 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is one of my all-time favorite books.

The writing in it is truly outstanding, with beautiful prose that flows smoothly and engages the reader from the very first page.

The story is equally captivating, filled with exciting plot twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The characters are well-developed and come to life on the pages, making you feel as if you know them personally.

It bothers me deeply that this wonderful book has been largely forgotten.

It deserves to be rediscovered and enjoyed by a new generation of readers.

I believe that if more people knew about this book, it would become a classic.

So, I encourage everyone to give it a chance and experience the magic for themselves.

You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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Classic romanticism is a genre that has endured the test of time and continues to captivate readers.

It is filled with passion, longing, and a celebration of the human spirit.

Works that fall under this category are often considered some of the greatest literary achievements.

They transport readers to a world of love and adventure, where emotions run high and anything is possible.

These books are not only entertaining but also offer deep insights into the human condition.

It is no wonder that classic romanticism is among the top 200 books.

Whether it's a sweeping historical romance or a modern love story, the power of classic romanticism lies in its ability to touch our hearts and make us believe in the magic of love.

So, if you're looking for a good read that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted, look no further than the world of classic romanticism.

July 15,2025
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I had been on the hunt for this title for an incredibly long time. So, when it finally arrived in both English and Spanish, I found myself in a state of panic.

Were my expectations perhaps set too high? Was all this waiting truly worth it? Or was I perhaps giving it more credit than it deserved?

Sometimes, that which you desire the most turns out to be a failure. At other times, it either equals or surpasses the fiction that exists within your mind.

I have witnessed poetry attempting to transform into story, and stories, histories, and legends striving to become poetry. However, I have never seen the balance struck as masterfully as it is in this particular work.

Depending on the era, you can take a blanket or a fan and be thrilled by the accounts of war, love, politics, and the most exquisitely detailed descriptions.

Marvel at the author's remarkable talent for narrating a story within just 8 rhyming lines, and allow yourself to be completely seduced by the sensations that it evokes.

July 15,2025
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Compared with his previous narrative poem, Marmion, this work is far more readable, understandable, and thereby enjoyable. However, it doesn't astonish me that Scott largely shifted to prose from then on and initiated his highly successful series of Waverley novels.


It seems that his main intention is to depict the culture, personality types, and passions of the Scots in historical periods. The bold positions, the heroic postures, the heraldic calls to honor and loyalty, the praise of bravery and manliness - these emotional outpourings seem more significant than any mere account of actual deeds. Among the six cantos, each with just under a thousand lines, which make up approximately 150 pages of this poem, only about half of one of them actually contains a battle - and that is related secondhand by the wandering minstrel Allan, who serves James of Douglas.


In fact, there are nearly half a dozen'songs' that disrupt the flow of the story. They do have a uniquely telling effect and are truly evocative and lyrical masterpieces of description. But they are not the story. My assumption here is that Scott recognized that in order to maintain his readers' interest more strongly, his evocations of the Scottish soul would have to be intertwined with a more substantial narrative drive, one to which prose rather than verse more easily lends itself.


The'story' of The Lady of the Lake could just as easily have been written as a novel. It has several of Scott's well-known structural hallmarks: a highly attractive heroine, Ellen of Douglas, who is pursued not by one, not by two, but by three suitors. There is more than one instance of the hidden and/or mistaken identity of a main character, which he used so ingeniously again and again throughout the novels. There is the fascination with Scottish traditions: especially the Taighairn or 'fiery cross' for summoning the clans, the traditional games of archery, wrestling, and caber tossing, and the hunting custom of T'inchel by which deer (or opposing military forces) are surrounded in a space of ever-decreasing perimeters.


Without the copious notes accompanying the school-book edition (from 1915!) that I read, I would have been somewhat at a loss (far too many proper nouns of places, personages, and cultural customs!), but with judicious use of them, this poem was quite accessible. Its story borders on the trivial - a minor rebellion by an overly-proud noble against a king whose title to the throne is somewhat disputed. The main story goes off-track more times than I can count; and the resolution to the love-interest angle is not entirely clear by its conclusion.


Nevertheless, it's not bad. Since I've finished all the Waverley novels, I'm seeking out his rather obscure poems to find the next Scott work to read.

July 15,2025
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As a consequence of a feud between her father and King James, Ellen Douglas is compelled to lead a secluded existence in hiding on a small island within a Scottish loch. There, she encounters the enigmatic James Fitz-James, a knight who has lost his hunting party in the highlands. Ellen is troubled by the romantic pursuits of two highland lords, Malcolm Graeme and Roderick Dhu. Her father, the Douglas, refuses to lead his clan into war with King James, yet Roderick Dhu summons an army for a bloody battle.



I was truly enamored with this beautiful poetry! There exists such a remarkable balance in the writing, encompassing flowery phrases, powerful emotions, and engaging storytelling. All these elements converge to create a delightful reading experience.



I adored the robust characters of the highland lords. They are courteous, brave, and loyal. They embody all the qualities that knights in a fairy tale should possess. The Douglas is so physically imposing and strong that he has become a legend among all the Scottish clans. Roderick Dhu may be rough and violent, but he always adheres to traditional courteous conduct. Fitz-James is serious and stalwart, yet also harbors a tender heart.



Ellen is a charming character. She is both sweet and strong-willed. She would sacrifice anything to safeguard her father. She is sensitive, yet also extremely tough in weathering the storms of difficulty. I particularly admired how she refuses to yield to others' wishes, while still being very generous and unselfish.



I relished delving into the Scottish setting. The poetry vividly描绘s a magnificent picture of the highlands, with the pristine and unspoiled nature of the mountains, lochs, and rivers. I could almost inhale the fragrance of the greenery and the pines. I could nearly sense the coolness of the water as it ripples in small waves along the shores of the lake. It is vivid and alive in every stanza.



I was pleased that my edition features a map, some illustrations, and footnotes to elucidate some of the more archaic or Scottish words. Although I didn't typically require the footnotes, as the language is so accessible and the story progresses so smoothly that they weren't usually essential, they were nevertheless nice to have.
July 15,2025
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Awesome!


This is truly an amazing thing. The content presented here is not only interesting but also engaging.


What makes it even more remarkable is the glossary in the back. It provides a valuable resource for readers to further understand the terms and concepts used in the article.


The glossary is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a great addition to the overall piece.


It helps to clarify any potential confusion and enhances the learning experience.


Overall, this article with its accompanying glossary is a great example of high-quality writing and presentation.


It leaves a lasting impression on the reader and encourages further exploration of the subject matter.

July 15,2025
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I truly loved this book.

It was an absolute masterpiece that left a lasting impression on me.

The story was both haunting and dramatic, captivating my attention from the very first page.

The author's writing style was so vivid and engaging that I could easily picture every scene in my mind.

The characters were well-developed and complex, making me feel a deep connection with them.

The plot was full of twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story that will stay with them long after they have finished reading.

It is definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time.
July 15,2025
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This poem had a profound impact on me from the very first time I read it.

It is truly a piece that I am determined to re-read, and next time, I plan to seek out a great audiobook version to enhance the experience.

The Scottish Highlands are an absolute wonder, with their breathtaking landscapes and rich history. The ancient culture that has thrived there for centuries is equally fascinating, captivating the imagination and drawing one in.

I am extremely glad that Scott took the time and effort to pen such a beautiful poem in honor of this remarkable place.

His words bring the Highlands to life, allowing readers to envision the beauty and majesty that exists there.

This poem serves as a testament to the enduring power of nature and the ability of art to capture its essence.

It is a work that will continue to be cherished and enjoyed for generations to come.
July 15,2025
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Sooo... I am not entirely certain about what to express. I might have engaged in speed reading this piece as I was eager to discover what unfolds, *a guilty look is on my face.*

Anyway, it was indeed a good story, yet the poetry within it was truly beautiful.

Regarding the characters, I am a bit confused. However, I have a particular fondness for Ellen. All the men seem to be *cough, cough* slightly preoccupied with war. This was the prevailing sentiment of that era (at least in Scott's books!), but still.

Actually, I also like Allan the minstrel.

But getting back to the point, I like Ellen the best. Her Ave Maria prayer/song is extremely sweet.

Ave Maria! maiden mild!
Listen to a maiden's prayer!
Thou canst hear though from the wild;
Thou canst save amid despair.
Safe may we sleep beneath thy care,
Though banish'd, outcast and reviled –
Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer;
Mother, hear a suppliant child!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! undefiled!
The flinty couch we now must share
Shall seem with down of eider piled,
If thy protection hover there.
The murky cavern's heavy air
Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled;
Then, Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer,
Mother, list a suppliant child!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! stainless styled.
Foul demons of the earth and air,
From this their wonted haunt exiled,
Shall flee before thy presence fair.
We bow us to our lot of care,
Beneath thy guidance reconciled;
Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer,
And for a father hear a child!
Ave Maria!

It's truly beautiful!

I will provide a more coherent review once I read it again more slowly:-)
July 15,2025
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This copy was given to my grandfather on his 12th birthday by his twin cousins.

It is truly a remarkable piece. The most interesting aspect of it is the footnotes that are full of Scottish tradition, history, and customs.

These footnotes add a whole new layer of depth and richness to the story. However, I have to admit that I don't know if I'll ever finish it. The text is so dense that it requires a great deal of concentration to understand.

Moreover, the fact that the heroine eventually dies makes it a rather sad and poignant read. Despite these challenges, I am still drawn to this copy and hope to one day fully appreciate its beauty and significance.
July 15,2025
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Painfully and beautifully written, Scott draws the reader into the wild highlands of Scottish folklore.

His words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures of misty mountains, rushing rivers, and ancient castles.

The reader can almost feel the cold wind on their face and hear the bagpipes in the distance.

Scott's descriptions are so detailed that it is easy to imagine oneself as a part of this magical world.

Whether it is the heroic deeds of brave warriors or the tragic love stories of star-crossed lovers, each tale is told with a passion and authenticity that is truly captivating.

As the reader delves deeper into the pages, they are transported to a time and place that is both familiar and yet completely foreign.

Scott's work is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of Scottish folklore.
July 15,2025
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A cameo from Robin Hood and his band prevented me from suicide. It was a rather unexpected encounter. I was at my lowest point, ready to take that final step. But then, out of nowhere, Robin Hood and his merry men appeared. Their presence brought a glimmer of hope and a sense of adventure to my otherwise despairing situation. However, as much as their appearance stopped me from taking my own life, it didn't keep me from wanting to kill Walter Scott. I know he's already dead, but the anger and frustration I feel towards his work still lingers. Maybe it's because his stories didn't resonate with me the way they did with others. Or perhaps it's because I have my own personal issues that I'm projecting onto him. Either way, the desire to "kill" Walter Scott, in a figurative sense, still persists within me.

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