3 Review(s)

As son-in-law and literary executor to Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), John Gibson Lockhart (1794-1854) was uniquely placed to produce a definitive biography of the great poet and novelist. First published in 1837-8, shortly after Scott's death, this celebrated seven-volume work is based on personal memories, correspondence, and Scott's own autobiographical sketches. Wide-ranging in his purview, Lockhart is also detailed in his descriptions: the Aberdeen Journal of the day observed that the volumes trace Scott's life and literary efforts with 'the most minute distinctness'. Incorporating accounts of Scott's correspondence with Southey, Wordsworth and Byron, Volume 2 opens with the death of Walter's uncle, Captain Robert Scott, in 1804, leading readers through the commencement of Waverley and the foundation of the Ballantyne publishing firm. This portion of Lockhart's account concludes in 1812.