Walter Scott

Smailholm Tower 001

The Scott's family home in George Square, Edinburgh

Portrait of Sir Walter Scott (4673840)

Scott's Minstrelsy Of The Scottish Border

39 North Castle Street, Edinburgh

Sir William Allan - Sir Walter Scott, 1771 - 1832. Novelist and poet - Google Art Project

Walter Scott (15 August 1771 – 21 September 1832) was a Scottish historical novelist, poet, playwright, and historian. Many regard him as one of the greatest writers in the English language and a pivotal figure in the development of the Scottish novel. Scott was the first English-language author to have a truly international career in his lifetime, with many contemporary readers in Europe, Australia, and North America. His novels and poetry are still read, and many of his works remain classics of both English-language literature and of Scottish literature. Famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of the Lake, Waverley, The Heart of Midlothian, and The Bride of Lammermoor.

Early Life

Walter Scott was born in 1771 in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Walter Scott, a solicitor, and Anne Rutherford. His health was weak as a child, and he suffered from polio, which left him lame. To improve his health, he spent three years living with his grandparents in the Borders, where he learned the speech patterns and many of the tales and legends that characterized much of his later work.

Career

Scott began his literary career by writing poetry, with his first work, The Chase, and William and Helen, published in 1796. However, it was the publication of The Lay of the Last Minstrel in 1805 that brought him widespread fame. In 1814, he anonymously published Waverley, his first novel, which was a huge success. This was the beginning of the Waverley Novels, a series of historical novels that were highly popular and influential during his time.

Scott's works are notable for their historical accuracy, vivid characterization, and intricate plots. He had a profound influence on the structure of the novel as a literary form and contributed significantly to the historical novel genre, blending historical fact with fiction in a way that had not been done before.

Legacy

Walter Scott's impact on literature is immense. He popularized the historical novel and inspired a generation of writers, including Honoré de Balzac, Leo Tolstoy, and Alexandre Dumas. Scott's innovation in literature extended to his approach to publishing and marketing his works, making him one of the first modern authors to think strategically about book sales and literary fame.

Scott was also a keen historian and antiquarian, and he played a significant role in the rediscovery of Scotland's national heritage. He was instrumental in the revival of Scottish culture, including the rediscovery of the Scottish Crown Jewels and the promotion of tartan and the kilt as symbols of Scottish identity.

Death and Memorials

Walter Scott died in 1832 at his home, Abbotsford House, near Melrose in the Scottish Borders. He left behind a vast body of work that continues to be celebrated for its contribution to literature and Scottish culture. Numerous memorials have been erected in his honor, including the iconic Scott Monument in Edinburgh, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Scotland.

Selected Works

• Waverley (1814)
• The Heart of Midlothian (1818)
• Ivanhoe (1819)
• Rob Roy (1817)
• The Lady of the Lake (1810)
• The Bride of Lammermoor (1819)

See Also

• Scottish literature
• Historical novel
• English literature