Dryasdust

Dryasdust is a fictional character archetype commonly used in historical and antiquarian writings. The term "Dryasdust" was popularized by Sir Walter Scott, who used it to refer to a dull and pedantic historian. The character is typically depicted as overly focused on trivial details and lacking in narrative flair, which makes historical accounts tedious and unengaging.

Characteristics

Dryasdust is characterized by an excessive attention to minutiae and an inability to perceive the broader implications of historical events. This character often appears in literature as a foil to more dynamic and engaging historians or narrators, serving to highlight different approaches to history and storytelling. Dryasdust's approach to history is often contrasted with that of more romantic or interpretative historians, who aim to make history accessible and interesting to the general public.

In Literature

Sir Walter Scott frequently employed the term in the prefaces of his historical novels, such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy, to mock the dry, factual style of traditional historians. Scott's use of Dryasdust was part of a broader critique of the state of historical writing at the time, which he felt often failed to capture the imagination and interest of readers.

Legacy

The archetype of Dryasdust has had a lasting impact on the field of history and literature. It has become a shorthand for critiquing historical works that are perceived as overly detailed and insufficiently engaging. The term is still used in academic and literary circles to describe works or approaches that might benefit from a more lively and less pedantic treatment.

See also

• Historiography
• Literary criticism
• Narrative