The Lady of the Lake

6b Sir Walter Scott. Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black, 1853.

Notes

The Lady of the Lake (1810) is a narrative poem by Sir Walter Scott, set in the Scottish Highlands during the early 16th century. The poem weaves together themes of love, chivalry, and political intrigue through the interlinked stories of its main characters: Ellen Douglas, the titular “lady,” and three men who love her—James Fitz-James, Roderick Dhu, and Malcolm Graeme. It combines romance with historical and cultural commentary, depicting clan rivalries, Highland customs, and the conflicts between Scottish clans and the Crown. The poem is divided into six cantos, featuring vivid landscapes, heroic battles, and courtly pursuits, culminating in reconciliation and the triumph of love and honor.

The Lady of the Lake is particularly noted for its influence on Scottish national identity and literature, inspiring other works of art, music, and literature, including Gioachino Rossini’s operas and the famous “Bridal of Triermain” legend. Its combination of historical detail, lyrical storytelling, and romantic adventure helped solidify Sir Walter Scott’s reputation as the father of the historical novel, and it remains a classic example of early 19th-century Romantic poetry.

Description 

Full Black leather binding. Pebbled leather. Five raised bands on spine. Gilt lettering in the second compartment. Gauffered gilt edges all around. Marbled endpapers. Etching frontispiece. Inscription to second fly leaf dated 1855. Second inscription on illustrated title page dated 1877. Exceptionally beautiful copy with illustrations throughout. Very fine condition overall.