Incomplete manuscript of 'Waverley'.

Item

Identifier: Adv.MS.1.1.0

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The manuscript comprises the greater part of `Waverley`. Of the parts not included in the manuscript some exist as fragments in the Library`s manuscript collection, fifteen folios are in the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York, and others are missing.

The first fifty folios of the manuscript are on quarto paper, watermarked 1805, the rest on folio paper, watermarked 1813.

Dates

Creation: ?1805-1814.

Conditions Governing Access

Permission is required before this item may be consulted. Please contact the Manuscripts and Archives Division for further information (manuscripts@nls.uk). A digital surrogate is available.

Extent

0.00 Linear metres (217 folios.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

The manuscript was given by Sir Walter Scott to Archibald Constable in 1823. In 1831 the manuscript was sent for sale to Evans of Pall Mall by Constable`s creditors. Included with `Waverley` were the manuscripts of twelve other Waverley novels. Constable`s creditors had previously rejected an offer of £1000 from the Advocates` Library for the whole group. Soon after the Evans sale the manuscript was purchased by James Hall, Advocate. Hall presented the manuscript to the Advocates` Library in 1850.

A separated folio, numbered 7 and forming part of chapter xxx, formerly part of the Ashiesteel Papers (MSS.3220-3235), has been added to the manuscript c.1943.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.

Existence and Location of Copies

Microfilms available:

Mf.Sec.MSS.8;

Mf.Sec.MSS.594;

Mf.Sec.MSS.632.

A digital surrogate is available to view here.

Separated Materials

Fifteen folios of the manuscript are in the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York.

Bibliography

`The manuscripts and proof sheets of Scott`s "Waverley novels", by G Dyson. (Edinburgh Bibliographical Society Transactions, iv, 1955, pages 13-42.

`Tresors des Bibliotheques d`Ecosse`, number 184 (Bruxelles, 1964).

`Treasures from Scottish Libraries`, number 104 (Edinburgh, 1964).

`Treasures of the National Library of Scotland`, number 137 (Edinburgh: National Library of Scotland, 1979).