Waverley; Or 'Tis Sixty Years Since — Complete

"Waverley; Or 'Tis Sixty Years Since — Complete" by Walter Scott is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. This seminal work is considered one of the first historical novels, setting a precedent for the genre by weaving fictional narratives through historical events, particularly focusing on themes of loyalty, honor, and the contrast between Highland and Lowland Scottish cultures. The story primarily follows the life and adventures of Edward Waverley, a young Englishman who becomes embroiled in the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and explores the clash between personal ideals and the tumultuous political landscape of his time. At the start of "Waverley," we are introduced to Edward Waverley as he prepares to leave his family and join a regiment of dragoons. The narrative describes the melancholy of his departure from his uncle, Sir Everard, and hints at the family's complex political backgrounds—Edward's paternal lineage rooted in Whig politics differing from the Tory allegiance of his uncle. Through rich character descriptions and historical references, Scott sets up Waverley's internal conflict as he embarks on a journey filled with adventure, danger, and the quest for identity in a time of civil strife. The opening chapters establish a foundation for the themes of familial loyalty and the cost of political dissent, which are explored throughout Edward’s journey in a vividly depicted Scotland of centuries past. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet, was a British novelist, poet and historian. Many of his works remain classics of European and Scottish literature, notably the novels Ivanhoe (1819), Rob Roy (1817), Waverley (1814), Old Mortality (1816), The Heart of Mid-Lothian (1818), and The Bride of Lammermoor (1819), along with the narrative poems Marmion (1808) and The Lady of the Lake (1810). He had a major impact on European and American literature.