In this adventure novel King Richard the "Lionheart" is the leader of the Third Crusade, whose main destination is the Holy Land. However, with the advent of the knights into Syria's desert, the heat begins to take its first casualties.

Will the Crusaders be able to overcome all obstacles, such as the heat exhaustion and the attacks they are subject to, in order to reach and reconquer the Holy Land?

"The Talisman" is published in 1825 as the second of Sir Walter Scott's "Tales of the Crusaders". The story takes place in the era of the Third Crusade – times of violence, chivalry and romance.

Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) was a Scottish writer, poet and historian who is considered as the creator of the historical novel. By profession Scott was a lawyer and legal administrator, but the fascinating history and culture of his native Scotland inspired him to become a writer. Some of his most popular titles are "Waverley", "Ivanhoe", "The Lady of the Lake" and "Redgauntlet", which has also served as an inspiration for many authors.