The Edinburgh Edition of Walter Scott's Poetry
The original poetry by Walter Scott in the Waverley Novels and other works
- Determines which poems in the Waverley Novels, the letters and the Journal were written by Scott
- Contextualises each poem and provides full annotation
- Uses texts established in the Edinburgh Edition of the Waverley Novels
- Bases the poetry from the letters and Journal on manuscripts whenever possible
This scholarly edition offers the first reliably identified collection of Walter Scott’s original poetry in the Waverley Novels, the letters and the Journal. Past editors of Scott found it hard to recognise what is and is not quotation; but thanks to modern databases the poems in this volume have been identified as almost certainly his own.This collection demonstrates, again, Scott’s brilliant versatility in the handling of verse forms and his extraordinary range of voice. The poetry of the Waverley Novels is often dramatic, being uttered or sung by one of the characters; mottoes at the heads of chapters stand in a critical relationship to the narrative; the poetry of the letters and Journal is often quizzical and self-mocking; and there are many superb parodies. As part of the ‘meaning’ of these poems lies in their context, this collection succinctly contextualises each one. It also provides full textual and explanatory annotation and an essay which explores, among other things, the wavering boundary between new creation and quotation.
A thorough re-evaluation of Scott’s output as a writer of short poems
- Includes poems not in the standard edition of Scott’s collected poems or not previously printed anywhere
- Based on new archival research
- Provides critically edited texts
- Supplies extensive annotation
This fully annotated scholarly edition, based on new archival research, comprises 134 poems, several of which went unpublished, and all of which have been expertly re-edited from early printings or manuscript originals. Walter Scott remained a poet throughout his writing career and this collection of poems ranges chronologically from the earliest efforts of a clever Edinburgh schoolboy to the last works of an old and ailing international celebrity author. The poems span generically songs and ballads, theatrical contributions, epitaphs, translations from Latin, Spanish, French, Gaelic and German, and private jeux d’esprit. The comprehensive editorial apparatus provides readers with the historical and literary context for every poem, engages with the relation of song lyrics to musical settings, and traces all quotations and allusions to books, people and places.
The first scholarly edition of Walter Scott’s most complex historical narrative poem (1808)
When Marmion was published in 1808 it was met with both critical and popular acclaim; four editions and over 11,000 copies were produced in 1808 alone. It was with the overwhelming success of Marmion that Scott’s poetic reputation was indisputably established, his immersion in the world of commercial publishing confirmed, and his commitment to a literary life fully determined. Scott here features as a topical poet, commemorating both national events and occasions, as well as the work of his contemporaries. His relations with aristocratic patrons, artists, and statesmen are also amply reflected in the dedicatory epistles. This is arguably the most challenging and most rewarding of all Scott poems.
The critical apparatus in this volume includes an extended essay on the development of the text, a Historical Note, Explanatory Notes and a full glossary of Scots, foreign and archaic words.
Key Features
- Includes lines omitted from previous editions of the poem
- Based on new archival research it provides critically edited text and extensive annotations
