Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor Hardcover – April 29, 2026

Set against the wild beauty of seventeenth-century Exmoor, Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor tells the unforgettable story of John Ridd, a stout-hearted yeoman farmer whose father was murdered by the outlaw Doone clan. When John encounters and falls in love with Lorna—a beautiful young woman raised among the very family that destroyed his own—he faces an impossible choice between the vengeance he has sworn and the devotion his heart demands.R. D. Blackmore's only enduring masterpiece weaves together historical adventure, star-crossed romance, and regional folklore into a narrative of remarkable power. The treacherous Carver Doone, Lorna's ruthless kinsman, plots to claim her by force, while John must navigate the violent feuds between farming folk and bandits, the political turmoil of Monmouth's Rebellion, and the class barriers that separate a humble farmer from the aristocratic woman he loves. The rugged landscapes of Devon and Somerset come alive in prose as vivid and elemental as the moors themselves.First published in 1869, this novel quickly became one of the most beloved books of the Victorian era, inspiring numerous film adaptations and securing Blackmore's place alongside Thomas Hardy as a master of English rural fiction. Its blend of action, romance, and moral courage continues to captivate readers more than 150 years after its first appearance.Exmoor Devon Historical Fiction: A vivid portrayal of seventeenth-century life in one of England's most dramatic and least-tamed regionsStar-Crossed Love: A timeless story of loyalty, sacrifice, and love that defies social boundaries and family hatredsLiterary Significance: A landmark of British regional fiction that bridges the gap between romantic adventure and realistic pastoralWhether you are drawn by tales of derring-do on the lawless moors, the enduring appeal of impossible romance, or simply the desire to explore a corner of literary England unlike any other, Lorna Doone offers an experience both thrilling and deeply moving. Read more