This is an
interesting review of Scotch Novels in the mid Nineteenth century
and I've found pdf copies of the books. I have extracted the
Edinburgh review of these books and should any of these be of
interest just click on the link below to download them.
THE practical character of our busy modern life
has done some injustice to the Scottish nation. Not altogether
without reason, people have come to regard us in those practical
aspects which are least engaging. The typical Scotchman is the keen
and pushing man of business who looks closely to the main chance,
seldom misses a profitable occasion. and takes religious care that
in his dealings with his neighbour he shall never fail in his duty
to himself. 'Whatever sterling qualities he may possess. there is
supposed to be the minimum of poetry in his composition. The Scots
have now more than their share of wealth and honours all over the
British possessions and the virtues by which they command success
have made them less liked than respected. Their peculiarities of
speech and manner lend themselves easily to ridicule. Their
constitutional reserve and caution tend to repel easy intimacy; and
superficial observers have been shown to appreciate the desirable
qualities that lie hidden under a commonplace or chilling exterior.
We need hardly wonder. then. that they have seemed to offer
unpromising material to the hurried authors of ephemeral novels.
These ladies and gentlemen write for their readers; they dash down
the vague impressions that glance from the surface of unreflecting
minds; their indolence saves them from attempting the discriminating
analysis which could only result in lamentable failure. and they
dwell either on the trivial or the coarsely emotional life that
recommends itself most to the vulgar fancy. It neither suits their
genius, nor is it in their capacity, to remember that it is the
stillest water that runs the deepest.
The Article
1.
Passages in
the Life of Mrs. Margaret Maitland of Sunnyside. Written by
herself. 1850.
2. Merkland: a Story of Scottish Life. By the Author of Passages in
the Life of Mrs. Margaret Maitland. 1851.
Vol. 1 |
Vol. 2 |
Vol. 3
3. Harry Muir: a Story of Scottish Life. 1853.
Vol. 1 |
Vol. 2 |
Vol. 3
4. Katie
Stewart. By Mrs. Oliphant. 1852.
5. The Minister'a Wife. By Mrs. Oliphant. 1869.
Vol. 1 |
Vol. 2 |
Vol. 3
6. The Story of
Valentine: and his Brother. By Mrs.Oliphant. 1875.
7. David
Elginbrod. By George MacDonald. 1863.
8. Alec Forbes of Howglen.
By George MacDonald.
9. Robert
Falconer. By George MacDonald. 1868.
10. Malcolm. By George MacDonald. 1875.
Vol. 1 | Vol. 2 |
Vol. 3
11. A
Daughter of Heth. By William Black. 1871.
12. A
Princess of Thule. By William Black. 1873. |