Walter Scott

Portrait of Sir Walter Scott, by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer

Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet (15 August 1771 – 21 September 1832) was a Scottish novelist and poet. He was extremely popular in Europe during his time.

Education and early life

Scott was educated at the Edinburgh High School and then the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1783. After spending some time in his father's office he became a Barrister in 1792. In 1797 he married Charlotte Charpentier and in 1799 was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Selkirkshire. He now began to write books in earnest.

Writing career

He wrote many historical novels. His novels and poetry are still read, and many of his works are thought of as classics. Some of his most famous works are: the poem The Lady of the Lake and the novels Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, Waverley, The Heart of Midlothian and The Bride of Lammermoor. He was so famous that people throughout Britain and Europe praised his work and in 1821 he was made a Baronet by the government.

Later life and death

The Scott Monument, Edinburgh

Sir Walter Scott's later life was burdened by many difficulties. He had a lot of debts to pay off especially money he took to build his famous home, Abbotsford House. He also had to face financial problems when his book publishers closed down. He struggled bravely to repay his debts and became ill, and died in 1832. His house is now a public museum visited by many tourists each year.