Walter Scott
Romance writer as defined by Walter Scott.
Walter Scott described romance as a 'kindred term' to novel, and many European languages do not distinguish between them (e.g., 'le roman, der Roman, il romanzo' in French, German, and Italian, respectively). Scott is listed among romance writers (as defined by Scott) alongside the Brontës, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Victor Hugo, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Thomas Hardy. His definition of romance includes 'marvellous and uncommon incidents', a narrative method contrasted to the novel, which realistically depicts life.
- field
- Novelist, poet, historian, advocate, legal administrator
- nationality
- Scottish
- known_for
- Waverley novels, narrative poems, historical novel genre
Lore & Background
Walter Scott described romance as 'a fictitious narrative in prose or verse; the interest of which turns upon marvellous and uncommon incidents', a narrative method that was contrasted to the new, main tradition of the 18th and 19th centuries: the novel, which realistically depicts life. He described romance as a 'kindred term' to novel, and many European languages do not distinguish between them (e.g., 'le roman, der Roman, il romanzo' in French, German, and Italian, respectively). Scott is listed among romance writers (as defined by Scott) alongside the Brontës, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Victor Hugo, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Thomas Hardy. Later examples of romance writers include Joseph Conrad, John Cowper Powys, J. R. R. Tolkien and A. S. Byatt. While fantasy is, generally speaking, not significant in the works of romance writers, Scott's definition includes 'marvellous and uncommon incidents'.
Reader's Guide
Scott's definition of romance as involving 'marvellous and uncommon incidents' connects the romance form with the Romantic movement, and the gothic novel, as well as the medieval romance tradition. The term 'romance' is now mainly used to refer to love romances in genre fiction, and for other fiction it is 'now chiefly archaic and historical' (OED). Works of fiction such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre combine elements from both types. Although early stories of historical romance often took the form of the romance, the terms 'romance novel' and 'historical romance' are confusing, because the words 'romance' and 'romantic' have held multiple meanings historically: referring to either romantic love or 'the character or quality that makes something appeal strongly to the imagination, and sets it apart from [...] everyday life'; this latter sense is associated with 'adventure, heroism, chivalry, etc.' (OED).
Did You Know?
- Walter Scott described romance as a 'kindred term' to novel, and many European languages do not distinguish between them (e.g., 'le roman, der Roman, il romanzo' in French, German, and Italian, respectively).
- Scott is listed among romance writers (as defined by Scott) alongside the Brontës, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Victor Hugo, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Thomas Hardy.
- Scott's definition of romance includes 'marvellous and uncommon incidents', a narrative method contrasted to the novel, which realistically depicts life.
- Later examples of romance writers (as defined by Scott) include Joseph Conrad, John Cowper Powys, J. R. R. Tolkien and A. S. Byatt.
- While fantasy is, generally speaking, not significant in the works of romance writers, Scott's definition includes 'marvellous and uncommon incidents'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Walter Scott?
Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish writer who worked across novels, poetry, and history. He is widely regarded as one of the defining figures of European Romanticism and a pioneer of the historical novel.
What are the Waverley novels?
The Waverley novels are a series of sixteen historical novels Scott published between 1814 and 1831, beginning with the work simply titled Waverley. They span Scottish, English, and continental European history and were initially released under the pseudonym 'The Author of Waverley.'
What narrative poems is Walter Scott famous for?
His most celebrated verse works include Marmion (1808) and The Lady of the Lake (1810), both of which achieved enormous popularity across Europe. These long narrative poems helped cement his reputation before he turned fully to fiction.
What was Walter Scott's role outside of writing?
Beyond his literary career, Scott served as an advocate (barrister) and held the legal posts of Clerk of Session and Sheriff-Depute of Selkirkshire. He managed to balance these administrative duties with a prolific output of poetry, novels, and historical scholarship.
Why is Walter Scott considered important in literary history?
He is credited with essentially creating the historical novel as a distinct genre, blending accurate research with dramatic storytelling. His influence rippled through 19th-century European literature, inspiring writers from Dickens to Dumas.
More in Literary Giants 25-30
Related in Literary Giants
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Literary Giants universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record