
Arguably Scott's finest novel, and the last of his major Scottish novels, Redgauntlet centers around a third, fictitious, Jacobite rebellion set in the summer of 1765. The novel's hero, young Darsie Latimer, is kidnapped by Edward Hugh Redgauntlet, a fanatical supporter of the Stewart cause, and finds himself caught up in the plot to install the exiled Bonnie Prince Charlie on the British throne. First published in 1824, this is perhaps Scott's most complex statement about the relation between history and fiction. This new edition features the Magnum text of 1832, the last to be corrected by Scott, and it includes Scott's own notes. This reissue is the only available critical edition and it includes a fine introduction by Kathryn Sutherland, who examines the historical context, the novel's structure and style, and the story itself. The book also includes an up-to-date bibliography, a timeline of Scottish history in the period relating to the novel, a chronology of Scott's life and work, full explanatory notes, and a glossary of Scots words.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
The narrative is set in motion when young Darsie Latimer is abducted by a fanatical Jacobite agent, thrusting him into the center of a clandestine rebellion. Darsie Latimer, a young man of uncertain origins, finds his personal autonomy stripped away as he is drawn into the orbit of Edward Hugh Redgauntlet. The antagonist seeks to restore the Stewart line to the British throne, forcing Darsie to navigate a web of political intrigue and divided loyalties. The novel utilizes an epistolary framework, primarily through letters, to document the escalating tension between personal identity and historical destiny.
Readers and critics frequently identify this work as a pinnacle of Scott's literary output, noting its sophisticated structural experimentation. Discussion often centers on the novel's departure from traditional linear storytelling in favor of a multi-perspective epistolary format. Scholars highlight the text's nuanced treatment of the Jacobite rebellion, viewing it as a mature reflection on the cost of political fanaticism. The balance between character-driven drama and the broader historical context remains a frequent point of analysis for those interested in the evolution of the historical novel.
Page Count:
479
Publication Date:
2011-05-15
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0199599572
ISBN-13:
9780199599578
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