Walter Scott

Mr Mayhead examines Scott's contemplation of the detribalization of Scotland after the Jacobite rebellions, noticing a vein of shrewd moral wisdom within his works.

Robin Mayhead (Author)

9780521097819, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 March 1973

144 pages
22.9 x 0.1 x 1.6 cm, 0.37 kg

A good deal of Scott's commercial writing is now of historical interest only. But there are important and valuable books, especially those where Scott is contemplating the detribalization of Scotland after the Jacobite rebellions, and the political and social stresses this brought about. This is a modern concern, since we live in the developed world with the long-term consequences, and, when this book was first published in 1973, similar processes were visible in developing countries. There is also a vein of shrewd moral wisdom in Scott, associated with the notions of justice and prudence. Mr Mayhead singles out Waverley, Heart of Midlothian, Guy Mannering and The Abbot as the works which embody these interests. He also looks at the poetry and criticism.

1. Introductory
2. Waverley
3. The Heart of Midlothian
4. A study in mixtures: Guy Mannering
Redgauntlet
The Antiquary
5. Scott and the man of prudence: Rob Roy
Old Mortality
The Abbott
6. The poems
7. A note on Scott as critic: postscript.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]