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The work of the poet and novelist Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) frequently reflected his interest in Scottish history, and he is regarded as having written some of the most influential historical fiction of the nineteenth century. His literary works include the poem The Lady of the Lake and the novels Waverley and Ivanhoe. Originally published in two volumes in 1814–17, this one-volume reissue is a work of non-fiction that illuminates Border history as revealed through architecture and artefacts. Scott was not the sole author, but his substantial introduction sets the historical scene for the entries on various castles, churches and other historic structures on both sides of the border. Illustrative extracts of his poetry are also included, along with many detailed engravings of the evocative scenes and buildings described.

Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) is best known for his poetry and for historical novels such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy, but he also had a lifelong fascination with witchcraft and the occult. Following a spell of ill-health, Scott was encouraged by his son-in-law, publisher J. G. Lockhart, to put together a volume examining the causes of paranormal phenomena. This collection of letters, first published in 1830, is notable for both its scope (examining social, cultural, medical and psychological factors in peoples' paranormal experiences) and its clear, rational standpoint. Scott explores the influence of Christianity on evolving views of what is classified as 'witchcraft' or 'evil', and he explains the many (often innocuous) meanings of the word 'witch'. Written with palpable enthusiasm and from a strikingly modern perspective, this volume explores a range of topics including fairies, elves and fortune-telling as well as inquisitions and witch trials.