Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

17460

Title

Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the rugged Exmoor hills, this romantic tale blends historical drama with supernatural elements. It follows the intertwined lives of the outlaw Doones, the heroic John Ridd, and the enchanting Lorna, exploring themes of loyalty, witchcraft, and the enduring power of love against a backdrop of civil war and folklore.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the rugged and atmospheric backdrop of Exmoor during the turbulent era of the English Civil War, R. D. Blackmore's *Lorna Doone* weaves a tale of romance, superstition, and resilience. The narrative centers on the stark contrast between the virtuous John Ridd, a man of immense physical strength and moral integrity, and the notorious Doone family, outlaws who terrorize the region from their stronghold in Bagworthy Forest. At the heart of the story is Lorna Doone, a beautiful and gentle maiden raised in the shadow of her family's crimes. Despite the darkness surrounding her, she possesses a natural dignity and kindness that captivates John. The plot unfolds through a complex interplay of political tensions, local superstitions, and personal struggles. John's journey involves a daring rescue of Lorna from the machinations of the cunning Master Huckaback and the clutches of her own family. As the story progresses, the boundary between reality and the supernatural blurs; elements of witchcraft and magic, often fueled by the fears of the peasantry, influence the fates of the protagonists. John himself faces trials of war, severe illness, and social prejudice, at one point appearing to die from the loss of blood and the rigors of his life. However, the novel culminates in a resolution that honors the transformative power of compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. Through lyrical descriptions of nature and action-packed sequences, Blackmore offers a rich portrait of 17th-century rural life. The story explores themes of loyalty, the conflict between tradition and progress, and the redemptive nature of love. Ultimately, the narrative balances the savage deeds of the outlaws with the purity of the protagonists, creating a timeless romance that celebrates the enduring strength of the human heart against the odds of a harsh world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17460.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg17460.epub

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2026-06-30 04:08 UTC

Categories

• Romance
• Historical Fiction