"Ivanhoe" is a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, part of the Waverley series. The action takes place during the 12th century in England, and the themes revolve mainly around chivalric romances, tournaments, trials, and religious clashes. It is the story of Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe who is disinherited by his father for supporting the Norman king Richard the Lionheart. It is a Romantic novel of sentimentality, family issues, love, and relationships. The constant battle between good and evil, as well as between the dictates of the heart and the mind, made "Ivanhoe" one of the most influential books in English history and makes for a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and chivalric tales.