"I have all my life regretted that I did not keep a regular (journal). I have myself lost recollection of much that was interesting and I have deprived my family and the public of some curious information by not carrying this resolution into effect." Sunday 20 November, 1825 With these words Scott began what many regard as his greatest work, a diary which was to turn into an extraordinary day-to-day account of the last six years of his life, years of financial ruin, bereavement, and increasing ill health. As he laboured to pay off debts of over �120,000, Scott emerges, not simply as a great writer, but as an almost heroic figure whose generosity and even temper shine through at all times. This edition presents a complete edited text and notes drawing on a wealth of other material including correspondence, reminiscences and the memoirs of Scott's contemporaries. It remains one of the standards by which Scott scholarship is judged.

The Complete Works of Sir Walter Scott (Illustrated) is a comprehensive collection of the literary works by the acclaimed author Walter Scott. Known for his historical novels and poems, Scott's writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions, intricate plots, and rich character development. This collection includes his most famous works such as Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and Waverley, all accompanied by illustrations that bring his stories to life. The book not only showcases Scott's mastery of storytelling but also provides a glimpse into the historical context and societal issues of the time in which he wrote. Readers can immerse themselves in the world of chivalry, adventure, and romance that Scott expertly crafted in his works. The Complete Works of Sir Walter Scott (Illustrated) is a must-read for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates timeless storytelling that transcends generations.

A well-written and carefully-researched narrative, it increases our knowledge of Scott's life and work as perceived by his contemporaries, as well as enabling us to read Hogg's Anecdotes in their original context.

The Complete Works of Sir Walter Scott showcases the renowned author's diverse literary talents, including novels, short stories, poetry, memoirs, and letters. With a rich historical context and vivid storytelling, Scott's works transport readers to the romantic landscapes of Scotland and beyond. His novels, such as 'Ivanhoe' and 'Rob Roy,' are characterized by their intricate plots, memorable characters, and immersive historical details. Furthermore, Scott's poetic compositions reflect his deep love for nature and his keen observations of human emotions. Sir Walter Scott, a prominent figure in the Romantic literary movement, drew inspiration from Scottish history and folklore. His passion for antiquarianism and chivalric tales heavily influenced his writing style, making his works both entertaining and educational. Scott's dedication to preserving Scotland's cultural heritage through his literary endeavors earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest literary figures of his time. I highly recommend 'The Complete Works of Sir Walter Scott' to readers who appreciate masterful storytelling, rich historical settings, and lyrical prose. This comprehensive collection offers a glimpse into the creative genius of a literary giant whose works continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Walter Scott and Fame is a study of correspondences between Scott and socially and culturally diverse readers of his work in the English-speaking world in the early nineteenth century. Examining authorship, reading, and fame, the book is based on extensive archival research, especially in the collection of letters to Scott in the National Library of Scotland. Robert Mayer demonstrates that in Scott's literary correspondence constructions of authorship, reading strategies, and versions of fame are posited, even theorized. Scott's reader-correspondents invest him with power but they also attempt to tap into or appropriate some of his authority. Scott's version of authorship sets him apart from important contemporaries like Wordsworth and Byron, who adhered, at least as Scott viewed the matter, to a rarefied conception of the writer as someone possessed of extraordinary power. The idea of the author put in place by Scott in dialogue with his readers establishes him as a powerful figure who is nevertheless subject to the will of his audience. Scott's literary correspondence also demonstrates that the reader can be a very powerful figure and that we should regard reading not just as the reception of texts but also as the apprehension of an author-function. Thus, Scott's correspondence makes it clear that the relationship between authors and readers is a dynamic, often fraught, connection, which needs to be understood in terms of the new culture of celebrity that emerged during Scott's working life. Along with Byron, the study shows, Scott was at the centre of this transformation.