Readings from the Edinburgh Edition of the Waverley Novels

I discovered Sir Walter Scott through one of his greatest admirers the poet Lord Byron.  In 1814 Scott recognised the genius of Byron the poet and decided to write novels rather than poetry.  In his first novel he introduced us to Edward Waverley, an attractive young man to whom things happen.  The publication of Byron's first major work Childe Harold in 1812 made him famous overnight; the publication of Waverley as one writer has put it, saw the public react with an electric shock of delight.  The understanding of the education of Edward Waverley is essential to an understanding of his character.  In chapter 3, Scott describes Waverley's education and his attitude to it; an attitude which is timeless and could be that of a young man of today. 

Click on the button below to listen. (11mins)
If the Media-player is not visible here then please either use the one at the foot of the page or click on the download button on the left.

The Pass of Bally Brough.1836 Steel engraving by James H. Kernot based on a painting by H. Melville. Used here with the permission of the Walter Scott Digital Archive Image Collection.

Read along as you listen to the recording - a facsimile copy of the text is below.

The Edinburgh Edition of the Waverley Novels. Volume One. Waverley by Walter Scott. Edited by P.D. Garside.
Published in 2007 by Edinburgh University Press. © The University Court of the University of Edinburgh.
For more information visit www.euppublishing.com/series/EEWN  
Permission has been granted to The Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club for usage here until Dec. 2012.

The Edinburgh Edition of the Waverley Novels. Volume One. Waverley by Walter Scott. Edited by P.D. Garside.
Published in 2007 by Edinburgh University Press. © The University Court of the University of Edinburgh.
For more information visit www.euppublishing.com/series/EEWN
Permission has been granted to The Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club for usage here until Dec. 2012.

Use the player below only if the one at the top of the page is not visible.