The Antiquary , also The Antiquary , is Walter Scott's Gothic historical novel published in 1816 . The book tells about the fate of several characters, including an antiquarian - an amateur historian , archaeologist and collector of items of dubious antiquity. Although the novel is named after him, the antiquarian is not always the main character, much more significant events take place around other characters, the antiquary is only a figure combining characters more important for the plot and more exciting incidents, which he accompanies with mocking comments. Antiquary was one of Walter Scott's favorite novels. [one]
| Antiquarian | |
|---|---|
| The antiquary | |
 First edition | |
| Author | Walter Scott |
| Genre | historical novel |
| Original language | |
| Original published | |
| Publisher | James Ballantyne and Co. , Constable & Co. |
| Release | May 4, 1816 |
| Cycle | |
Content
- 1 History of creation
- 2 Perception and criticism
- 3 notes
- 4 References
Creation History
Scott signed a contract to create a new novel, almost immediately known as "Antiquary," in January 1815. According to the author, the writing process was slow. According to the contract, the novel was to be published on June 4, 1815, but the publication took place only in May 1816. The reason for this was Scott's high social activity and the writing of other works that inspired him to travel around France. [one]
However, Archibald Constable & Co. , who paid Scott a significant advance for the new novel, was in financial difficulty, so the author was under intense pressure from the publishers. However, in a letter to his friend Morritt in December 1815, Scott admitted that he only had to start work on the work, and at the moment he had only the “most general sketch.” [1] The novel was completed in mid-March 1816.
Perception and Criticism
Antiquary, published in a print run of 6,000 copies, was even more successful than Walter Scott's previous novels. The entire print run was sold out within 3 weeks. [one]
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 The Antiquary . Edinburgh University Library (April 20, 2007). Date of treatment May 3, 2010. Archived April 24, 2012.
Links
- The full text of the novel (Russian) in the Library of Maxim Moshkov .
- The Antiquary in the Gutenberg project .