University of Virginia Library

SCOTT, Walter, Sir (1771-1832):

Scottish leader of British ROMANTICISM whose poetry, novels and biographies created a idealized view of the middle ages which reinforced resistance to industrialization and SCIENCE. His first historical novel Waverly (1814) was followed by Rob Roy (1817) and Ivanhoe (1819), all of which encouraged NATIONALISM and a rejection of MODERNITY. Religiously his work contributed to the popularity of the OXFORD MOVEMENT and the revival of ROMAN CATHOLICISM in Britain.