1. Sir Walter Scott

2. His Life
Scottish historical novelist, playwright, and poet, popular throughout much of the world in the 19th century
Scott was the first English- language author to have a truly international career in his lifetime
His novels and poetry are still read, and many of his works remain classics of both English- language literature and of Scottish Literature

3. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Scott’s father was a lawyer
Scott survived polio as a child; to help with his recovery he lived with his grandparents in the country
His grandmother taught him to read; he also learned Scottish stories and dialect

4. Eventually Scott was able to walk again; he was tutored privately to catch up with his peers and attend school
At school he met the Ballantyne brothers who would become business partners to print books
Scott completed a law degree, and practiced law
He also showed an interest in poetry and published a collection of his work in 1795

5. Scott married his wife after a three week courtship; they had 5 children, 4 of whom survived to adulthood
Scott had a comfortable life with his family; they were able to build a large home where he entertained extensively

6. His Work Scott was an established poet when he began to write novels
Novels were considered an “inferior” literary form at that time; he published under a pseudonym to protect his reputation and not embarrass his very conservative father
His first novels were stories of Scotland and its mysteries

7. The Historical Novel
Scott’s novel, Ivanhoe, broke the novel mold and became a tremendous success; it was translated into many languages and also inspired plays and other writers
Scott was 50 years old when he changed his focus and began writing novels
The novel grew into an important literary genre thanks to Scott’s love of history and tradition

8. “Sir” Scott
Scott was interested in promoting Scottish history; he was the coordinator of a grand celebration that welcomed the new Scottish king and reintroducing the Scottish tartan plaids
Scott led a group of men to find the long-lost Scottish crown jewels; these jewels had been missing for many years (hidden from Cromwell)
Finding the jewels brought Scott a title and honor – as a baronet he was known as “Sir” Scott

9. Honor and Integrity
Scott’s fortune was devastated in a banking crisis; owing a great deal of money and wishing to leave a legacy for his family, Scott worked diligently to repay the debt
Even the king was willing to assist, but Scott was determined to write his way out of debt
He died still owing some money, but his novels were so successful that his estate was able to repay all of his creditors within a short time after his death