The Complete Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott

In 'The Complete Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott,' readers are presented with a comprehensive collection that encapsulates the Romantic sensibility and vigorous narrative verse for which Scott is renowned. This anthology includes Scott's notable long narrative poems like 'Marmion' and 'The Lady of the Lake,' which not only achieved wide popularity during his lifetime but also significantly influenced the course of nineteenth-century poetry. His works are situated within the rich tapestry of the Romantic era, reflecting a deep fascination with medievalism and history. Scott's ballads such as 'The Wild Huntsman' and 'The Battle of Sempach,' alongside his contributions to 'The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border,' showcase his adept hand at capturing the intersection of the Gothic and the sublime. The literary context is further enriched by commentaries from esteemed contemporaries such as Victor Hugo, Robert Louis Stevenson, Charles Dickens, and Andrew Lang, presenting a multilayered understanding of Scott's poetical achievements.
Sir Walter Scott's profound contribution to literature extends from his narrative poems to his historical novels, which sought to reconstruct and animate the Scottish past. Born in 1771, Scott was deeply involved with the preservation of Scottish folklore and traditions, which is reflected in both his poetry and prose. His career as a clerk to the Court of Session and Sheriff-Deputate of Selkirkshire provided him with a wealth of historical knowledge and insight, culminating in a literary style marked by meticulous attention to historical detail and a romanticized yet critical understanding of the past. The patriotic fervor and the exploration of the human condition within his verse further echo Scott's engagement with the cultural and political landscape of his time.
The all-encompassing nature of this volume makes it essential reading for anyone interested in the Romantic period or Scottish literature. Scholars and poetry enthusiasts will find in Sir Walter Scott's verse not only a grand, sweeping narrative voice but also a precise and evocative expression of cultural identity. With additional perspectives from notable literary figures of the era, this collection is not only a testament to Scott's poetical legacy but also a dialogue with the literary giants of his time. It is highly recommended for those seeking to dive deep into the heart of Romantic poetry and the narrative soul of Scottish verse.

Sir Walter Scott, born on August 15, 1771, in Edinburgh, Scotland, remains a towering figure in the canon of English literature. He was a prolific writer of poetry and historical novels, and his contributions have significantly influenced both literary form and the popular view of Scottish identity. Scott's early fame as a poet culminated in the collection 'The Complete Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott' which showcases his command over verse and his keen interest in folklore and history (Scott, 1900). His narrative poems, such as 'The Lady of the Lake' and 'Marmion', celebrated the Scottish landscape and history, blending romance with adventure and steering public taste towards Romanticism. Scott's transition to the novel with 'Waverley' established the genre of the historical novel, enthralling readers with its deep-rooted portrayal of social change and personal struggle (Scott, 1814). His literary style, characterized by vivid storytelling, detailed character development, and a blend of romance with realism, has immortalized his works in the literary tradition. Scott's writings not only encapsulate the ethos of his native Scotland but also reflect the vibrant crosscurrents of 19th-century literature. He was honored with a baronetcy in 1820, in recognition of his literary contributions, becoming Sir Walter Scott, the first-ever to be a writer. He passed away on September 21, 1832, leaving behind a legacy that endures in the rich tapestry of English literature.