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)

9781108057011, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 November 2012

430 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.54 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'. In volume 5, Lockhart examines Scott's personal and professional life during the years 1820–5. After introducing readers to the hospitality that Scott bestowed on his guests at Abbotsford, the author then turns the reader's attention to Scott's literary achievements with the publication of The Abbot (1820) and the commencement of St Ronan's Well (1823).

1. Autumn at Abbotsford
2. Publication of The Abbot
3. Visit to London
4. Illness and death of John Ballantyne
5. Publication of Mr Adolphus's letters on the authorship of Waverley
6. New buildings at Abbotsford
7. William Erskine promoted to the bench
8. Repairs of Melrose abbey
9. Mons Meg
10. Quentin Durward in progress
11. Quentin Durward published
12. Publication of Redgauntlet
13. Tales of the Crusaders begun.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]