Narrative of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart., Volume II : 1818 to Conclusion

The first critical edition of J. G. Lockhart’s classic biography of Walter Scott.

This modern scholarly edition is based on the two-volume abridged edition of 1848, which in being less weighed down by supplementary materials provides a more fluent record of Lockhart’s own often personally informed narrative. Following the pattern of the original 1848 edition, Volume II offers a new perspective on its subject. Beginning with Lockhart’s first visit to Abbotsford in October 1818, it marks the commencement of his direct personal relationship with Scott, which lasted unbroken until Scott’s death in 1832. An introduction to the second volume traces this relationship and its significance. Explanatory annotation identifies elements such as allusions, personalities and events, while interrogating some of Lockhart’s more problematic statements. A special category of Textual Notes summarises omissions from the larger versions of the Life, as well as tracking new text as provided by the 1848 edition.