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.
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Fri 20 Aug 201009:45BBC Radio 4 FM- Sat 21 Aug 201000:30BBC Radio 4
- Fri 24 Jul 201514:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 25 Jul 201502:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
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