Lorna Doone
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Lorna Doone, subtitled A Romance of Exmoor, is a novel by Richard Doddridge Blackmore, first published in 1869.
The book is set in the 17th century in the region of Exmoor in Devon. John (or Jan) Ridd, a respectable farmer's son, becomes romantically involved with Lorna Doone, a member of the notorious Doone family, outlaws who live in an isolated valley. Lorna is destined to marry her cousin Carver Doone, but is in fact a foundling, originally the daughter of a nobleman, stolen away by the Doones. John eventually overcomes opposition to their marriage and defeats Carver Doone (who drowns in a swamp). Lorna is shot during their wedding ceremony, but survives, and the ending is a happy one. The historical background to the story includes the Battle of Sedgemoor.
One of the inspirations behind the plot is said to be the shooting of a young woman at a church in Chagford, Devon, also in the 17th century. Unlike Lorna Doone, she did not survive, and is commemorated in the church.
Lorna Doone was written by Blackmore to emulate the style of speech of the 17th century.
The novel has also inspired at least 10 movies and mini series.
External links
- Template:Gutenberg
- IMDb Listing of movies based on Lorna Doone (http://imdb.com/find?q=lorna%20doone;tt=on;mx=10)
- HTML online text (http://www.litfix.com/blackmore/lorna/index.html)
Lorna Doone is also the name of a shortbread cookie sold by Nabisco.