Quentin Durward is a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, first published in 1823. The story concerns a Scottish archer in the service of the French King Louis XI (1423-1483) who plays a prominent part in the narrative. Quentin Durward was composed in a remarkably short space of time. After carrying out some preparatory research towards the end of 1822 Scott began writing in January 1823 and supplied the finishing sentences in response to a request from his coadjutor James Ballantyne on 3 May. Scott's principal source was the Mémoires of Philippe de Commines. As usual he adapts historical facts freely in the construction of his fiction, though he generally follows Comines' balanced approach to the character of Louis XI.
Adaptations (5)
Quentin Durward has been adapted 5 times, across film and television series, from 1910 to 1989. The most recent is The Adventures of Quentin Durward, Marksman of the Royal Guard (1989).
- Quentin Durward1912 · film · dir. Adrien Caillard · IMDb ↗
Isabelle de la Croye, a young Burgundian countess, flees from her uncle Charles the Bold's court to avoid marrying William de La Marck, the man the Duke of Burgundy destines to her. She seeks hospitality and protection from Louis XI, the King of France. Unfortunately the messenger carrying her request betrays her and brings the missive to William de La Marck instead. Isabelle gets away from La Marck's clutches only thanks to the intervention of Quentin Durward, a young Scottish mercenary...
The Adventures of Quentin Durward1955 · film · 103 min · dir. Richard Thorpe · IMDb ↗IMDb6.3During the 15th century reign of France's King Louis XI, a young Scottish man is sent by his English Lord to woo a French lady on his behalf. The plan goes awry when the young man falls in love with her. Based on the classic novel by Sir Walter Scott.
Quentin Durward1971 · television series · 55 min · IMDb ↗IMDb8.9Quentin Durward is a French-German swashbuckler TV series. It was produced in 1970, directed by Gilles Grangier and broadcast in 1971. The series starred the German actor Amadeus August as the protagonist and the French actress Marie-France Boyer as Isabelle de Croye. The series was based on Sir Walter Scott's in 1823 published novel Quentin Durward. It concerns a Scottish soldier who serves French King Louis XI while the King has to overcome the schemes of his rival Charles the Bold and Jean Balue. The TV series kept close to the classic novel and was often shot at historic French locations. The French version consists of 7 instalments of 52 minutes each, while the dubbed German version had 13 episodes of about 25 minutes apiece. Both versions have been made available on DVD.
The Adventures of Quentin Durward, Marksman of the Royal Guard1989 · film · 97 min · dir. Sergey Tarasov · IMDb ↗IMDb6.8France, XV century. The young Scot, striving to make his worthy efforts, is kindly treated by the king and admitted to the guard. Soon the king entrusts him with a difficult mission - however, the matter turns into an insidious deception. Saving his beloved, the shooter of the guard shows miracles of courage and nobility ...
