Episode 5
Walter Scott's critical reputation was savaged after his death. But, as Stuart Kelly discovers, the images of Scotland he created take hold in the public consciousness.
His name, image and influence can be seen everywhere; from Scottish banknotes to place names across the globe. Sir Walter Scott invented the modern novel, began Scotland's tourist industry and was the first celebrity author - a heady mix of JK Rowling and Dan Brown long before the age of mass media hype. Lauded by contemporary critics as well as his massive readership in the 19th century, he's hardly read - and even more rarely enjoyed - today.
Stuart Kelly considers the backlash which hit Scott's work after the prolific author's death. Although his critical reputation would never recover, the images of Scotland which Walter Scott created - the romantic landscapes populated by isolated, kilted natives - haunt Scotland to this day.
Stuart Kelly was born and brought up in the Scottish Borders. He studied English at Oxford and is the Literary Editor of Scotland on Sunday.
Reader: Robin Laing
Abridger: Laurence Wareing
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.
Last on
More episodes
Next
You are at the last episode
Broadcasts
Fri 20 Aug 2010 09:45麻豆社 Radio 4 FM- Sat 21 Aug 2010 00:30麻豆社 Radio 4
- Fri 24 Jul 2015 14:45麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 25 Jul 2015 02:45麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
麻豆社 Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.