Walter Scott (Routledge Library Editions: The Nineteenth-century Novel)

First published in 1968, this study is an exciting and challenging introduction to the writings of Sir Walter Scott. The author discusses the more striking features of Scott’s style — his use of language and characterisation — and also evaluates the contemporary moral and political attitudes portrayed in the novels. The use of literary conventions of the time is examined with reference to Scott’s work and extracts exemplify in particular the use of the Heroic. While admitting Scott’s faults as a writer, the author presents a general view of him as one whose works deserve deeper study than was the prevailing opinion at the time. This book will be of interest to students of literature.