Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature

"Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature" by Margaret Ball is a detailed look at Sir Walter Scott's critical work, highlighting his role as an editor and critic and how this influenced his writing. The book explores how Scott's critical writings, often overlooked because of his fame as a novelist and poet, are important for fully understanding his literary skills. It discusses Scott's qualifications as a critic, pointing out his wide knowledge and careful approach, which shaped his views on literature. The book suggests that understanding Scott's critical perspective is key to appreciating his overall genius and that later parts of the study will examine his opinions on different types of literature, such as old writings and plays, revealing how his critical thoughts connected to his fictional works. The book convinces you that Scott's criticism matters, not only for those who lived when he did, but also for today's conversations about literature.