Old Mortality by Sir Walter Scott

Set in the 17th century during the Covenanting Rebellion in Scotland, the novel weaves a tale of adventure, romance, and political intrigue around the historical events of the time. The story follows the young hero, Henry Morton, who is caught between his loyalty to the Presbyterian Covenanters and his love for Edith Bellenden, a Royalist. As Morton becomes embroiled in the conflict, he must navigate a path through the tumultuous civil war, facing moral dilemmas and the consequences of his choices. The narrative also explores themes of honor, tradition, and the impact of history on individual lives, all while providing a rich portrayal of Scottish culture and the complexities of religious and political loyalties.

The 1840th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 207

Since this book was first published in 1816, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 207.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.