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Last broadcast on Tue, 17 Aug 2010, 00:30 on BBC Radio 4 (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
His name, image and influence can be seen everywhere; from Scottish banknotes to place names across the globe. Sir Walter Scott invented the modern novel, began Scotland's tourist industry and was the first celebrity author - a heady mix of JK Rowling and Dan Brown long before the age of mass media hype. Lauded by contemporary critics as well as his massive readership in the 19th century, he's hardly read - and even more rarely enjoyed - today.
Stuart Kelly examines the contradictory legacy of Sir Walter Scott; bestselling bankrupt, iconic unknown and the Tory defender of the Union who fought to save Scotland's banking independence. Kelly considers the influential images of his own country created by Scott - the stereotype of the kilted native dwelling within rugged, romantic landscapes - images which haunt Scotland to this day.
Stuart Kelly was born and brought up in the Scottish Borders. He studied English at Oxford and is the Literary Editor of Scotland on Sunday.
Reader: Robin Laing
Abridger: Laurence Wareing
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.
Broadcasts
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Mon 16 Aug 201009:45
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Tue 17 Aug 201000:30
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