Book description
Edited and Introduced by WEK Anderson. 'I have all my life regretted
that I did not keep a regular [journal]. I have myself lost recollection
of much that was interesting and I have deprived my family and the
public of some curious information by not carrying this resolution into
effect.' Sunday, 20 November 1825 With these words Scott began what many
regard as his greatest work, a diary which was to turn into an
extraordinary day-to-day account of the last six years of his life,
years of financial ruin, bereavement, and increasing ill-health. As he
laboured to pay off debts, Scott emerges, not simply as great writer,
but as an almost heroic figure whose generosity and even temper shine
through at all times. This revised edition presents a complete edited
text and notes drawing on a wealth of other material. The first edition
of this book is regarded as one of the standards by which Scott
scholarship is judged. 'Scott's Journal us a hugely important piece of
Scottish, and indeed European literature, published here with an
incisive introduction, brilliantly judicious annotation and appendices
and an excellent index. It confirms the very welcome trend of an
increasingly heavyweight catalogue of Canongate Classics . . . Walter
Scott has never been so readable.' Herald 'The greatest figure he ever
drew is in the Journal and it is the man, Walter Scott.' John Buchan
'One of the most delightful an moving works of autobiography . . . full
of good humour and spiced with anecdote.' Economist 'Truly a classic. It
has no slow beginning, no laborious diversions and, though we know from
the start what the outcome will be, it is compelling right to the very
last unfinished sentence.' Scotland on Sunday
