Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart

This celebrated seven-volume biography (1837–8) draws on personal accounts of Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832), correspondence and autobiographical sketches.

John Gibson Lockhart (Author)

9781108056984, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 November 2012

418 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.53 kg

As son-in-law and literary executor to Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832), John Gibson Lockhart (1794–1854) was uniquely placed to produce a definitive biography of the great poet and novelist. First published in 1837–8, shortly after Scott's death, this celebrated seven-volume work is based on personal memories, correspondence, and Scott's own autobiographical sketches. Wide-ranging in his purview, Lockhart is also detailed in his descriptions: the Aberdeen Journal of the day observed that the volumes trace Scott's life and literary efforts with 'the most minute distinctness'. Incorporating accounts of Scott's correspondence with Southey, Wordsworth and Byron, Volume 2 opens with the death of Walter's uncle, Captain Robert Scott, in 1804, leading readers through the commencement of Waverley and the foundation of the Ballantyne publishing firm. This portion of Lockhart's account concludes in 1812.

1. Removal to Ashestiel
2. Partnership with James Ballantyne
3. Affair of the Clerkship of Session
4. Dryden
5. Edition of Dryden published
6. Quarrel with Messrs Constable and Hunter
7. Case of a poetical tailor condemned to death at Edinburgh
8. Affair of Thomas Scott's Extractorship discussed at the House of Lords
9. First visit to the Hebrides
10. Life of Miss Seward
11. New arrangements concerning the Clerks of Session
12. The poem of Rokeby begun.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]