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.

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.

For his gipsy material Scott relied largely on two works: 'Dissertation on the Gipseys ... from the German of H. M. G. Grellmann (1807), and A Historical Survey of the Customs, Habits, and Present State of the Gypsies by John Hoyland (1816).

[2] The first edition was published in three volumes in London on 17 May 1823 by Hurst, Robinson, and Co., and in Edinburgh two days later by Archibald Constable and Co.[3] As with all the Waverley novels before 1827 publication was anonymous.

In a sub-plot, the Burgundian heiress Isabelle de Croye takes refuge at Louis's court when Charles attempts to give her hand in marriage to his odious favourite Campo-Basso.

Louis, in turn, resolves to give her in marriage to the bandit-captain William de la Marck, and sends her to Flanders under the pretence of placing her under the protection of the Bishop of Liège.

[4] The age of feudalism and chivalry is passing away, and the King of France incites the wealthy citizens of Flanders against his own rebellious vassal the Duke of Burgundy.

Quentin Durward comes to Tours, where his uncle is one of the Scottish bodyguard maintained by Louis XI, to seek military service, and is invited by the king, disguised as a merchant, to breakfast at the inn, and supplies by him with money.

The royal party is preparing for a hunting excursion, when the Count of Crèvecœur arrives with a peremptory demand for the instant surrender of the duke's ward, the Countess of Croye, who has fled from Burgundy with her aunt to escape a forced marriage; and proclaims that his master has renounced his allegiance to the crown of France.

In the chase which follows, Durward saved the king's life from a boar, for which service Louis, after consulting with his barber, entrusts him with the duty of conducting the countess and Lady Hameline, ostensibly to the protection of the Bishop of Liege, but really so that they might fall into the hands of William de la Marck.

After proceeding some distance, they are overtaken by Dunois and the Duke of Orléans, who wanted to seize the countess, but are prevented by Lord Crawford, who arrives in pursuit and takes them prisoner.

A few days afterwards, however, it is assaulted by the citizens, and Hayraddin, having effected Lady Hameline's escape with Marthon, Quentin rush back to save the countess, and, at Gieslaer's suggestion, Pavilion passes them as his daughter and her sweetheart into the great hall where the outlaw, known as the Boar of Ardennes, is feasting with the rioters.

There is a shout for vengeance, but De la Marck summons his soldiers, upon which Quentin holds a dirk at the throat of his son Carl, and exhorts the citizens to return to their homes.

With the syndic's help, Lady Isabella and her protector reach Charleroi, where she is placed in a convent, while he carries the news to the Duke of Burgundy, at whose court Louis, with a small retinue, is a guest.

She admits her fault, and Quentin Durward is being questioned respecting his escort of her, when a herald arrives with a demand from De la Marck to be acknowledged as Prince-Bishop of Liège, and for the release of his ally the King of France.

Lord Crawford declares him to be of gentle birth, but the old soldier having resigned his pretensions to his nephew, King Louis vouches for Quentin's services and prudence, and the duke being satisfied as to his descent, remarks that it only remains to inquire what are the fair lady's sentiments towards the young emigrant in search of honourable adventure, who, by his sense, firmness and gallantry, thus becomes the fortunate possessor of wealth, rank and beauty.

Principal characters in bold Volume One Introduction: In the course of an extended residence in France the Author is inspired by the library and family papers in the Chateau de Hautlieu to produce the narration that follows.

2 The Wanderer: Quentin Durward, a Scottish archer in search of mercenary employment in France, encounters Maitre Pierre and a companion; after attending a hunting-mass they approach the royal castle of Plessis.

5 The Man-at-Arms: Quentin and his uncle Ludovic Lesley (Le Balafré), serving in Louis's Scots Guards, catch up with family news.

He is threatened with execution by Louis's provost-marshal Tristan l'Hermite (Maitre Pierre's companion) and his assistant Petit-André for cutting down a hanged gypsy, but he is rescued by a detachment of the Guards under Balafré.

9 The Boar-Hunt: Offended by Louis' behaviour towards himself, the Cardinal La Balue arranges to meet Crevecœur who has come to his assistance after a hunting fall.

1 (11) The Hall of Roland: Restored to open guard duty, Quentin witnesses a meeting between the Croyes and Princess Joan, whose destined husband the Duke of Orleans joins them and torments her by his attentions to Isabelle.

2 (12) The Politician: Louis explains to Oliver le Dain his intention to instruct Quentin to convey the Croyes to Liège so that William de la Marck can seize and marry Isabelle.

Galeotti promises to carry out an astronomical calculation relating to Louis' plan to negotiate with Charles in person, but privately determines to inform Balue.

9 (19) The City: After Hayraddin reveals he has continued access to the Croyes, Quentin is acclaimed as a Guard by the citizens of Liège and rescued from the embarrassing situation by the syndic (magistrate) Pavillon.

2 (25) The Unbidden Guest: After a short pause at Landrecy, Quentin is treated with more respect by Crevecoeur, who on reaching Péronne is informed by D'Hymbercourt and D'Argenton of Louis's arrival to meet Charles.

13 (36) The Sally: As the Burgundian forces set out for Liège with Louis in attendance, Quentin gives Isabelle a letter from Hameline, passed on by Hayraddin before his execution, defending William whom she has married.

[5] Particularly appreciated were the witty Introduction, the contrasting depictions of Louis and Charles, the striking incidents and descriptions, the control of the plot (though some thought it thin), and the vivid presentation of an interesting and unfamiliar period.