Walter Scott and the Historical Imagination [Paperback]

First published in 1979. This study explores the main critical issues that arise out of a modern reading of Scotts work, and treats the major novels in detail. It tackles the questions of Scotts place in literary history and his problems in pioneering the historical novel. As well as examining the greater novels of the Scottish series, the author also deals with the relation between historical fiction and reality, with reference to the Waverley Novels, and Scotts own attitude to history. Also discussed are some of the possible reasons for Scotts failure to depict conflicts in his contemporary society. This book would be of interest to students of literature.

Acknowledgments; Authors note; Chronology of the Waverley Novels; Introduction; 1 Waverley 2 Guy Mannering 3 The Antiquary 4 Old Mortality 5 Rob Roy 6 The Heart of Midlothian 7 The Bride of Lammermoor 8 Redgauntlet; 9 Historical authenticity in the Waverley Novels; Scotts Dedicatory Epistle to Ivanhoe Manners and historical authenticity Characterisation in the Waverley Novels; 10 Scotts outlook on history; Scotts historicism The failure to depict contemporary society; Notes; Bibliography; Index

First published in 1979. This study explores the main critical issues that arise out of a modern reading of Scotts work, and treats the major novels in detail. It tackles the questions of Scotts place in literary history and his problems in pioneering the historical novel. As well as examining the greater novels of the Scottish series, the author also deals with the relation between historical fiction and reality, with reference to the Waverley Novels, and Scotts own attitude to history. Also discussed are some of the polƒ€