Sir Walter Scott: A Life in Manuscripts

Summary of the Talk:

This lecture discusses the history and development of the National Library of Scotland's Scott collection, which began in 1850 with the donation of a part of Waverley’s manuscript by James Hall. The collection grew over time and became a world-renowned repository of Scott’s literary remains, including manuscripts, letters, and proofs. Dr. Brown highlights key items from this collection, offering a ‘hands-on’ presentation of Scott’s personal manuscripts and correspondence.

Noteworthy Points:

1. Foundations of the Collection:
2. The National Library of Scotland’s Scott collection began with James Hall’s donation of a Waverley manuscript in 1850, and since then has expanded significantly. Notably, this included many key donations from Hall, Archibald Constable, Robert Cadell, and others.
3. Scott’s Advocacy for Libraries:
4. As an advocate and curator of the Faculty Library, Scott demonstrated his early engagement with literature and libraries, emphasizing their importance for scholarship. Items like a borrowing slip and letters concerning the expansion of the Faculty Library illustrate Scott’s investment in preserving knowledge.
5. Scott’s Personal Correspondence:
6. Scott’s letters reveal much about his personality, relationships, and even his financial struggles. His famous correspondence about emus sent by a New South Wales donor is an amusing example, showcasing Scott’s wit and his concerns over his living situation and the impact of these emus on his estate.
7. Scott’s Financial Struggles and Ambitions:
8. The lecture touches on Scott’s financial troubles, his dependence on writing to support his lifestyle, and his efforts to write himself out of debt. This includes a detailed look at Scott’s final years, particularly through the Interleaved Set of Waverley Novels, which Scott used to revise his works in a bid to recover his finances.
9. Manuscripts and Letters:
10. Throughout the presentation, Dr. Brown highlights several important manuscripts and letters. These items reflect different aspects of Scott's life, from his early legal career to his later literary achievements, and illustrate his dedication to preserving Scottish heritage through both his works and his family history.
11. Significant Exhibits:
12. Items like the Waverley manuscript, the Interleaved Set, and correspondence about Scott’s personal and professional life reveal much about his legacy. These items provide a vivid picture of Scott’s life, struggles, and enduring influence on Scottish literature and history.

Interesting Points to Note:

• The manuscript of Waverley, initially acquired for a modest sum, grew in value as it became the keystone of a national collection.
• Scott’s obsession with family history and his dedication to preserving his legacy are clearly evident in the manuscripts about his family and lineage.
• The collection also highlights the contrast between Scott’s romanticized public persona and the financial pressures that fuelled much of his writing.
• The presentation focused on Scott’s personality, bringing to life not just the great literary works but also the man behind them.

Conclusion: Dr. Brown’s presentation offers a thorough and engaging exploration of Sir Walter Scott's legacy, both as a writer and as a collector of manuscripts. The National Library’s Scott collection is shown to be an invaluable resource not just for understanding Scott’s work, but for comprehending the broader historical and cultural context of his life.