Monday, February 8, 2016

The Classics - Opening Lines: Ivanhoe: A Romance by Sir Walter Scott

"In that pleasant district of merry England which is watered by the river Don, there extended in ancient times a large forest, covering the greater part of the beautiful hills and valleys which lie between Sheffield and the pleasant town of Doncaster. The remains of this extensive wood are still to be seen at the noble seats of Wentworth, of Warncliffe Park, and around Rotherham. Here haunted of yore the fabulous Dragon of Wantley; here were fought many of the most desperate battles during the Civil Wars of the Roses; and here also flourished in ancient times those bands of gallant outlaws, whose deeds have been rendered so popular in English song." (Published 1820)

I love the classics and plan to share some "opening lines" over the coming months. Comment if you like, or read for inspiration. Writing styles were different then, but were they really?

 
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12 comments:

  1. Dixie@dcreliefFebruary 8, 2016 at 1:54 AM

    "IVANHOE" was a book I could not put down.
    Hi Sharon. Hope you are well.

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    1. Sharon HimslFebruary 8, 2016 at 12:23 PM

      Hi Dixie. It's been awhile :) Hope things are well with you too. I think Ivanhoe was my mother's favorite book. She got a little dreamy-eyed just talking about it. Can't recall if I read it or not, but there was this old book Mom had once. May have been it.

      Delete
  2. Heather R. HoldenFebruary 8, 2016 at 8:28 AM

    Don't think I've heard of this book before. Very intriguing opening!

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    1. Sharon HimslFebruary 8, 2016 at 12:29 PM

      It was pretty popular with older generations. I'm intrigued it was called a romance. I like historical settings like this and don't mind that it starts a bit slow. "Merry England" pulls me right in.

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  3. cleemckenzieFebruary 8, 2016 at 12:32 PM

    I read comments by readers how they hate long descriptive passages. I guess they just don't want to let their imaginations wander with the author through scenic spots such as this. Personally, I love to "see" and "feel" through the author's words.

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  4. Sharon HimslFebruary 8, 2016 at 2:12 PM

    I have a long reading list and find myself skim reading just to keep up, but I hate reading like this. I enjoy letting my imagination wander as the author intended. Our world is terribly fast paced these days. A good book could be thought of as a retreat. It could slows us down and do wonders for our health. Sometimes I feel I was born in the wrong century!

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  5. BirgitFebruary 8, 2016 at 6:11 PM

    I have never read the book but have seen the movie. This is exciting right from the get-go!

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    1. Sharon HimslFebruary 9, 2016 at 6:33 PM

      Good for you, Birgit! I'm looking forward to reading.

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  6. dennistheeremiteFebruary 8, 2016 at 7:07 PM

    I read "the Talisman" in high school and I am sure that was the only Sir Walter Scott I have read. But I did like it a lot, I just moved on to other things.

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    1. Sharon HimslFebruary 9, 2016 at 6:35 PM

      The book sounds wonderful, but alas, there's not enough time to read all we want.

      Delete
  7. nashvillecats2February 8, 2016 at 11:35 PM

    Wonderful choice of opening lines.
    Yvonne.

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You could call me an eternal optimist, but I'm really just a dreamer. l believe in dream fulfillment, because 'sometimes' dreams come true. This is a blog about my journey as a writer and things that inspire and motivate me.