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)

9781108057035, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 November 2012

498 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.63 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'. Volume 7 covers the period from 1826 until Scott's death in 1832. This was perhaps the darkest chapter in Scott's life, during which his financial woes forced him to sell the copyright for the Waverley novels. This final volume also includes an appendix listing Scott's publications as well as an index of names.

Preface
1. Life of Napoleon
2. Excursion to St Andrews
3. The 'Opus Magnum'
4. Journey to London
5. Visit to Clydesdale
6. Auchindrane, or the Ayrshire tragedy
7. Winter at Abbotsford
8. Apoplectic paralysis
9. Rokeby
10. Residence at Naples
11. Death of Goethe
12. Conclusion
Appendix
Index of names.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]