Walter Scott; Richard Westall - The Lady of the Lake - 1811

The Lady of the Lake, is a narrative poem by Sir Walter Scott, presented in six cantos. The poem is one of Scott’s most influential works and is set in the Scottish Highlands, blending romance, chivalry, and historical themes. The text follows the story of Ellen Douglas and her connection to King James V of Scotland, exploring loyalty, honor, and conflict against a vividly described natural landscape. The volume includes engraved illustrations based on designs by Richard Westall, which visually interpret key scenes from the poem and were intended to complement the literary experience. The presence of both the dedication and illustrated plates reflects the complete literary and artistic conception of the work as issued.

In terms of rarity, illustrated early editions of The Lady of the Lake are highly sought after due to the enduring popularity of the poem and its importance in Romantic-era literature. Copies retaining their original engraved illustrations and full textual content are particularly desirable among collectors, as the combination of Scott’s text and contemporary illustrations represents a significant moment in 19th-century publishing and literary history.

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