WALTER SCOTT

Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh in 1771. Scott was a lawyer, but his writing became so popular that he gained an enormous following and respect. He enjoyed success with his anonymous publications of the romantic 'Waverley novels'.

He was extravagant and constantly in debt throughout his life. We are grateful to Scott for introducing the 'historical novel' into our literature. He became a society figure and highly influential, and attended the coronation of George IV in 1821, and he also helped organise the King's visit to Scotland the following year. He died at his home Abbotsford House in 1832.