With an Introduction and Notes by Dr Pamela Knights, Department of English Studies, Durham University.
Lorna Doone, a Romance of Exmoor is an historical novel of high adventure set in the South West of England during the turbulent time of Monmouth’s rebellion (1685).
With an Introduction and Notes by Dr Pamela Knights, Department of English Studies, Durham University.
Lorna Doone, a Romance of Exmoor is an historical novel of high adventure set in the South West of England during the turbulent time of Monmouth’s rebellion (1685).
It is also a moving love story told through the life of the young farmer John Ridd, as he grows to manhood determined to right the wrongs in his land, and to win the heart and hand of the beautiful Lorna Doone.
Continuously in print since its first publication in 1869, Lorna Doone has remained perennially popular with a wide readership ever since.
R.D. Blackmore
Richard Doddridge Blackmore (1825-1900) was one of the most famous novelists of his generation. The writer of sixteen novels in all, he is now remembered only for his third, 'Lorna Doone'.
One of the most famous English novelists of his generation, Richard Doddridge Blackmore was born on June 9th 1825 in Longworth, Berkshire. The son of a clergyman, he was educated at Blundell’s School, Tiverton and at Exeter College, Oxford.
Blackmore studied law and was called to the bar. However, he suffered from epilepsy and was forced to live in difficult circumstances for some years until, unexpectedly, he came to a considerable fortune. He settled down at Teddington and dedicated his life to fruit-growing and writing.
In 1869, his third novel Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor, brought him fame. His subsequent thirteen novels never reached such heights of popularity, and are now largely forgotten. He died in Teddington in 1900.
