PREFACE. HE purpose of the following work requires very little explanation. It was thought by its publishers—a view in which the author thoroughly coincided-that a popular life of Sir Walter Scott was a desideratum. There are indeed various lives of Sir Walter already. Lockhart's has long been the standard one, and continues to be justly regarded as a very able work, and as a mine of information on the subject; but it is too large. There are many smaller lives; but they are in general meagre outlines. The author has sought to produce something between the large work of Lockhart and the slighter biographies. He has not catered for gossip, and his book will be found to contain little, although there are not a few new facts sprinkled throughout. It aims rather at being an accurate summary of the leading events in Scott's life, and a candid, full, and genial criticism on his principal works. How far its aim has been successfully gained, the public must decide. The book, whatever be its defects, may be thought a 'word in season,' as connected in time. with that centenary celebration which is at hand, and which may be regarded not merely as a tribute to Scott's memory, but as at once an acknowledgment and outcome of that large and loving spirit which is abroad in the age, and which has been partly the result of the extensive diffusion of Sir Walter's writings. DUNDEE, September 1870. |