Walter Scott

(1771-1832)

Walter Scott ranks among(1) the greatest English poets and novelists. He was born in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the year 1771. The son of a lawyer, Scott saw himself obliged to take up law(2) as his future occupation(3). At the age of seventeen he entered Edinburgh University, and three years later, upon graduating it, joined the Bar(4). But he remained in the law office only a short time. Far from being a success in his legal affairs(5), he tried his fortune in literature(6). In his childhood the boy was fond of Scottish folklore and showed a great interest in historical

stories. Later, while travelling over Scotland, he collected old legends and ballads which he made use of(7) in his future poems.

The writer's literary activity, to which Scott devoted the whole of his life, started with the publication of "The Ministrelsy of the Scottish Border"(8). Scott first became known as a poet, but won the fame(9) as a novelist. In his first novels he depicted mainly Scotland and her struggle for independence; later, however, he turned his attention to(10) England and

France describing critical periods in their history.

Scott is justly spoken of as the creator of the historical novel. Of all his numerous works mention should be made of "Ivanhoe" which is but a masterpiece(11) of the historical description. Scott introduced a new element in the historical novel by explaining present history through the history of the past and showing man as a product of history.

The publishing firm which Scott was connected with one day went bankrupt(12), leaving the writer a debt of.117,000(l3). Being compelled to pay the debt Scott set about writing new novels, but the great strain shattered his health(14). He went abroad for treatment, but seeing there was no hope of recovery, he returned home to die(15) in his castle in Abbotsford.

Speaking of Scott Belinski once said: "Walter Scott created the historical novel, and the artistic merits of his novels place him on a level with the greatest masters of all ages and all nations."

Notes

1 ranks (among) - (он) находится в ряду с

2 saw himself obliged to take up law - считал необходимым заняться правом

3 occupation - профессия

4 joined the Bar - (зд.) вступил в коллегию адвокатов; the Bar - адвокатура

5 legal affairs - (зд.) юридическая практика, деятельность

6 tried his fortune in literature - попытал счастья в литературе

7 to make use of = to use - использовать

8 The Ministrelsy of the Scottish Border" - «Поэзия пограничной Шотландии» (собрание старинных шотландских баллад и легенд, 1802 - 1803 гг.)

9 to win one 's fame - прославиться

10 turned his attention to - переключил свое внимание на

11 which is but a masterpiece - который является шедевром (but употреблено здесь в целях эмфазы)

12 went bankrupt - обанкротилась

13 a debt of £ 117,000 - долг в сумме 117.000 фунтов стерлингов

Обратите внимание на знак £, который происходит от латинского слова libra (фунт). Запомните также знак $ для обозначения доллара: $5 - пять долларов.

14 the great strain shattered his health - напряженная работа подорвала его здоровье

15 he returned home to die - он вернулся домой и умер

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