Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature By: Margaret Ball (1878-1952)
In her compelling work, Margaret Ball delves deep into the literary and critical mind of Sir Walter Scott, shedding light on his remarkable contributions as a critic. In "Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature," Ball masterfully presents an in-depth analysis of Scott's critical writings, exploring his unique perspectives, insights, and significant impact on the literary landscape of his time. Ball's meticulous research and scholarly approach provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Scott's critical genius. Drawing from a wide range of sources, including Scott's essays, reviews, and introductions to his own works, the author pieces together a vivid portrait of Scott's astute observations on various genres and authors. From Shakespeare to Byron and from contemporary fiction to historical romances, Scott's critiques prove to be a treasure trove of intellectual rigor and aesthetic wisdom. One of the book's standout qualities is Ball's ability to situate Scott within the socio-cultural context of the Romantic era. By exploring the prevailing literary trends, movements, and debates of the time, she effectively demonstrates how Scott's criticism was both influenced by and influenced the broader literary realm. This contextualization enables readers to grasp the significance of Scott's views and appreciate the impact he had on shaping the canon of British literature. Moreover, Ball expertly highlights Scott's contributions as a proto-historian, emphasizing his ability to intertwine historical research with storytelling. By incorporating historical events and figures into his narratives, Scott added a layer of authenticity that elevated his novels and made them more than mere works of entertainment. Ball successfully dissects this aspect of Scott's critical approach, emphasizing the importance of his historical consciousness and its impact on his contemporaries and subsequent generations of writers. While delving into Scott's critical works, the book also delves into his own evolution as a writer. Ball astutely notes the symbiotic relationship between Scott's critical endeavors and his creative output. She demonstrates how his experiences as a novelist inform his criticism, just as his criticisms inform his writing style and the choices he makes in his own works. This interdisciplinary exploration enriches both our understanding of Scott's critical prowess and our appreciation for his mesmerizing works of fiction. While the book is undoubtedly a well-researched scholarly work, its accessibility is not compromised. Ball's clear prose and engaging style make it an enjoyable read for both academics and general readers with an interest in literary criticism and Sir Walter Scott's impactful career. As an insightful exploration of Scott's critical acumen, this book stands as a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies. In conclusion, "Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature" by Margaret Ball is a meticulously researched and accessible book that brings to light the multifaceted genius of Sir Walter Scott as a critic. Ball's insightful analysis and contextualization provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Scott's contributions to the literary world, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Scott's critical perspectives and his enduring impact on literature. First Page: [Transcriber's note: All footnotes have been gathered at the end of the text.] SIR WALTER SCOTT AS A CRITIC OF LITERATURE BY MARGARET BALL, PH.D. New York THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS 1907 Copyright, 1907 BY THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS Printed from type November, 1907 PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY LANCASTER, PA. PREFACE The lack of any adequate discussion of Scott's critical work is a sufficient reason for the undertaking of this study, the subject of which was suggested to me more than three years ago by Professor Trent of Columbia University. We still use critical essays and monumental editions prepared by the author of the Waverley novels, but the criticism has been so overshadowed by the romances that its importance is scarcely recognized. It is valuable in itself, as well as in the opportunity it offers of considering the relation of the critical to the creative mood, an especially interesting problem when it is presented concretely in the work of a great writer. No complete bibliography of Scott's writings has been published, and perhaps none is possible in the case of an author who wrote so much anonymously. The present attempt includes some at least of the books and articles commonly left unnoticed, which are chiefly of a critical or scholarly character... Continue reading book >>

Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature By: Margaret Ball (1878-1952)

In her compelling work, Margaret Ball delves deep into the literary and critical mind of Sir Walter Scott, shedding light on his remarkable contributions as a critic. In "Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature," Ball masterfully presents an in-depth analysis of Scott's critical writings, exploring his unique perspectives, insights, and significant impact on the literary landscape of his time.

Ball's meticulous research and scholarly approach provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Scott's critical genius. Drawing from a wide range of sources, including Scott's essays, reviews, and introductions to his own works, the author pieces together a vivid portrait of Scott's astute observations on various genres and authors. From Shakespeare to Byron and from contemporary fiction to historical romances, Scott's critiques prove to be a treasure trove of intellectual rigor and aesthetic wisdom.

One of the book's standout qualities is Ball's ability to situate Scott within the socio-cultural context of the Romantic era. By exploring the prevailing literary trends, movements, and debates of the time, she effectively demonstrates how Scott's criticism was both influenced by and influenced the broader literary realm. This contextualization enables readers to grasp the significance of Scott's views and appreciate the impact he had on shaping the canon of British literature.

Moreover, Ball expertly highlights Scott's contributions as a proto-historian, emphasizing his ability to intertwine historical research with storytelling. By incorporating historical events and figures into his narratives, Scott added a layer of authenticity that elevated his novels and made them more than mere works of entertainment. Ball successfully dissects this aspect of Scott's critical approach, emphasizing the importance of his historical consciousness and its impact on his contemporaries and subsequent generations of writers.

While delving into Scott's critical works, the book also delves into his own evolution as a writer. Ball astutely notes the symbiotic relationship between Scott's critical endeavors and his creative output. She demonstrates how his experiences as a novelist inform his criticism, just as his criticisms inform his writing style and the choices he makes in his own works. This interdisciplinary exploration enriches both our understanding of Scott's critical prowess and our appreciation for his mesmerizing works of fiction.

While the book is undoubtedly a well-researched scholarly work, its accessibility is not compromised. Ball's clear prose and engaging style make it an enjoyable read for both academics and general readers with an interest in literary criticism and Sir Walter Scott's impactful career. As an insightful exploration of Scott's critical acumen, this book stands as a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies.

In conclusion, "Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature" by Margaret Ball is a meticulously researched and accessible book that brings to light the multifaceted genius of Sir Walter Scott as a critic. Ball's insightful analysis and contextualization provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Scott's contributions to the literary world, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Scott's critical perspectives and his enduring impact on literature.

First Page:

[Transcriber's note: All footnotes have been gathered at the end of the text.]

SIR WALTER SCOTT

AS A CRITIC OF LITERATURE

MARGARET BALL, PH.D.

New York THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS 1907

PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY LANCASTER, PA.

PREFACE

The lack of any adequate discussion of Scott's critical work is a sufficient reason for the undertaking of this study, the subject of which was suggested to me more than three years ago by Professor Trent of Columbia University. We still use critical essays and monumental editions prepared by the author of the Waverley novels, but the criticism has been so overshadowed by the romances that its importance is scarcely recognized. It is valuable in itself, as well as in the opportunity it offers of considering the relation of the critical to the creative mood, an especially interesting problem when it is presented concretely in the work of a great writer.

No complete bibliography of Scott's writings has been published, and perhaps none is possible in the case of an author who wrote so much anonymously. The present attempt includes some at least of the books and articles commonly left unnoticed, which are chiefly of a critical or scholarly character... Continue reading book >>

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Literature

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