Guide Note:
Sir Walter Scott was a world-renowned Romantic poet and novelist, also known as 'The Wizard Of The North'. He was born in Edinburgh in 1771 and although he contracted polio at the tender age of 2, which left him lame in the right leg, he grew up to be a man over six feet.
Many of Scott's works show that he had a great interest in the old Border tales and ballads. The 3 volume set of ballads named The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, the long narrative poem:The Lay of the Last Minstrel as well as the fact that the setting of some of his novels were set in the Border Country, is proof of this. He had spent much of his young years exploring the Border country and enjoyed hearing tales of old heroes from his grandmother. Other famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of The Lake , Waverley and The Heart of Midlothian.
Sir Walter Scott had a great influence as a novelist. He established the form of the romantic historical novel and his work inspired many writers during his time and afterwards such as Bulwer-Lytton, George Eliot, and the Brontës.
Fast Facts:
- Born: August 15, 1771
- Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Survived polio - left him lame from right leg
- Aged only 12 - attended University of Edinburgh
- 1791: Became a lawyer
- 1796: Began his literary career
- Many of his works were illustrated by his friend, William Allan
- Married Margaret Charlotte Charpentier
- Died: September 21, 1832
