Count Robert of Paris

This edition presents one of the last works of Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) – the historical novel "Count Robert of Paris". It narrates the times when legendary crusaders set out for the First Crusade, and the magnificent Byzantium was ruled by Emperor Alexios Komnenos. The novel was translated by Boris Yakovlevich Zhukovetsky. The illustrations were done by French artists Fernand Lemaître (1850–1929), Diogenes Maiyar (1840–1926), Victor-Armand Poirson (1859–1893), and Édouard Riou (1833–1900).

Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish writer, poet, and translator. He was born in Edinburgh to a lawyer and his wife, daughter of a professor at Edinburgh University. The family eagerly acquainted the child with fairy tales, poetry, and significant events from the history of Scotland. Thus, Walter developed an interest in the culture, folklore, and history of his native land, which determined the direction of his future creativity. In 1792, the young man graduated from the law faculty and combined his legal practice with public and literary activities for several years. At the same time, Walter translated from German, composed poetry, and collected folk tales, ballads, and legends of Scotland, aided by his frequent travels across the country. The historical novels that made him famous began to be written by Scott already in adulthood. To accurately convey the characteristics of the described era and faithfully depict its historical details, the writer spent long hours investigating numerous documents. One of the distinctive features of his work also became elements of folklore – Scott invariably wove them into the plots of his novels. For a long time, Walter published his prose works under a pseudonym, thus maintaining anonymity until 1827. The achievements of the outstanding writer were recognized even during his lifetime, and in 1820 Walter Scott was granted the title of baronet.

Scott began writing the historical novel "Count Robert of Paris" in 1830. The writer's health was deteriorating, yet he not only did not abandon the idea of completing this work, but also worked simultaneously on the next composition – "The Talisman." Both novels were published in 1831 and completed the series "Tales of a Grandfather." According to the author's design, the works of the cycle were presented to the public by a certain Jedediah Cleishbotham, who edited the manuscripts of his acquaintance – Peter Pattison, who wrote them, in turn, from the words of an unnamed innkeeper. The plot of "Count Robert of Paris" unfolds against the backdrop of the First Crusade. In the whirlwind of events are the Varangian Hirward, a noble warrior of the Byzantine emperor, and Count Robert, an indomitable knight of the crusader army. The reader is immersed in an era of ruthless battles, valiant feats, and cunning intrigues.

The text of the novel is presented in the translation by Boris Yakovlevich Zhukovetsky. The captivating story is illustrated by French artists Fernand Jacques François Lemaître (1850–1929), Diogenes Ulysses Napoleon Maiyar (1840–1926), Victor-Armand Poirson (1859–1893), and Édouard Riou (1833–1900).