Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, disinherited by his father, returns home to England from the Crusades, and lively adventure ensues -- a jousting tournament, villainous Norman knights and passionate Templars, proud Saxon prisoners including Ivanhoe's own father and the lovely Lady Rowena, a castle siege, Robin Hood and his merry men, carousing friars, a clever and loyal jester and swineherd, a mysterious Black Knight who is more than he seems, the conniving Prince John, the return of King Richard the Lionheart, a trial and triumph of justice, an old noble Jew and his beautiful and courageous daughter Rebecca.

And yet, among the vibrant pageantry and chivalry is a story of dark prejudice, religious conflict, sacrifice, and love that uplifts the novel to a more sophisticated level, and the fate of the unforgettable Rebecca takes center stage.