The Bride of Lammermoor

by Walter Scott

"The Bride of Lammermoor" by Sir Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1819. Set in the Scottish Lammermuir Hills around the time of the 1707 Act of Union, it tells the tragic story of Lucy Ashton and Edgar Ravenswood, whose families are bitter enemies. When the young lovers become engaged, Lucy's manipulative mother schemes to destroy their relationship and force Lucy into a politically advantageous marriage. Based on an actual incident, this dark tale of thwarted love inspired Donizetti's famous opera "Lucia di Lammermoor."