Sir Walter Scott, Novelist.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 96, 15 October 1915, Page 3 (Supplement)

Sir Walter Scott, Novelist.

On Thursday, August 15, 1771, Sir Walter Scott, author of the " Waverley Novels," and of sixty-four such romances, besides poems and articles in reviews, was born in the College Wynd at Edinburgh, in a house which has since been demolished. A statue of him which was erected in Princes Street was publicly unveiled on August 17, 1846. He lived until September 21, 1832, dying at Abbotsford, his residence in the county of Roxburghshire, which contains many interesting memorials of him. He lost the use of his right leg when less than two years old, and when three years of age was taken to Bath to get the benefit of its mineral waters. He was educated at the High School and University of his native city, and was called to the bar in the legal profession in 1792. But it is as an author that he became so successful and celebrated. For example, for the copyright or 6ole right to print and publish fresh copies of his "Lord of the Isles" and " Guy Mannering" he received in each case £1,500. and his " WSood-stock" was sold bv him for £8J228. But he spent such a large sum—£76,ooo—on Abbotsford (his residence) that he became a bankrupt.