The Talisman

Talisman, The,
a novel by Sir W. Scott , published 1825 , forming part of the Tales of the Crusaders. The novel is set in the army led to the Crusades by Richard I of England. It chronicles the adventures of a poor but valiant Scottish knight, Sir Kenneth, who is caught up in the intrigues between Richard, the king of France, the duke of Austria, and the Knights Templar and is eventually discovered to be Prince David of Scotland. The most striking portrait in the novel is that of Saladin , whose wisdom and chivalry is contrasted throughout with the scheming and corruption of the Christian leaders.