Many of Sir Walter Scott's works show that he had a great interest in the old Border tales and ballads. The three volume set of ballads named The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, the long narrative poem:The Lay of the Last Minstrel as well as the fact that the setting of some of his novels were set in the Border Country, is proof of this. He had spent much of his young years exploring the Border country and enjoyed hearing tales of old heroes from his grandmother. Other famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of The Lake , Waverley and The Heart of Midlothian.

Sir Walter Scott had a great influence as a novelist. He established the form of the romantic historical novel and his work inspired many writers during his time and afterwards such as Bulwer-Lytton, George Eliot, and the Brontës.

1. Born: August 15, 1771
2. Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
3. Survived polio - left him lame from right leg
4. Aged only 12 - attended University of Edinburgh
5. 1791: Became a lawyer
6. 1796: Began his literary career
7. Many of his works were illustrated by his friend, William Allan
8. Married Margaret Charlotte Charpentier
9. Died: September 21, 1832