Physical description

Waverley Novels Vol 32 Quentin Durward, Light brown hardcover lettering in black text.
Author: Sir Walter Scott
Publisher: Fisher Son & Co
Date: 1838

Publication type

fiction

Inscriptions & markings

The label on spine with typed text PAT FIC SCO
Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library
Front loose end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service

Summary

The subject volume of Waverley Novels Vol 32 published by Fisher Son & Co (1838) is part of a collected 48 volume set of Sir Walter Scott's works, containing various stories. Vol 32 in the 1836 Fisher edition reprints later entries from the fourth series, as these stories originally appeared in Scott's Magnum Opus 48 volume editions, the first from 1816. With the influential “Magnum Opus” editions from 1829–1833 by Robert Cadell, serving as the basis for later reprinted published sets like Fisher's.
Quentin Durward, often listed as volume 32 in some Waverley Novels editions, is a historical novel set in 15th century France and Burgundy. Its story follows a young Scottish archer who gets drawn into the power struggle between Louis XI and Charles the Bold, while also escorting the Burgundian heiress Isabelle de Croye and eventually winning her hand.
The story centres around Quentin arriving in France seeking service, he joins Louis XI’s Scottish Guard, and is pulled into court intrigue, kidnapping plots, and the violent conflict around Liege. The novel’s main historical drama is Louis XI using covert politics to weaken Burgundy, while Quentin’s personal plot tracks loyalty, danger, and romance.