ABSTRACT

First published in 1961, this book examines a number of works popular in the Romantic period, during the heyday of Sir Walter Scott in the early part of the nineteenth century.

Encompassing works by the likes of Alexander Pushkin, Sir Walter Scott, Adam Mickiewicz and James Fenimore Cooper, this is also a meditation on the nature of Romanticism and its enduring value, as expressed in the novel form. Donald Davie also considers the meaning and importance of ‘plot’ and of ‘realism’.

chapter II|10 pages

‘The heart of Midlothian’

chapter III|17 pages

‘Waverley’

chapter IV|17 pages

‘Pan Tadeusz’

chapter V|9 pages

‘Rob Roy’

chapter VI|13 pages

Maria Edgeworth

chapter VII|23 pages

Scott and The Novel in Ireland

chapter VIII|28 pages

The Leatherstocking Novels

chapter IX|19 pages

'The Pioneers'

chapter X|18 pages

Cooper and Scott: ‘The water witch’