Valerius - A Roman Story (ePub)

John Gibson Lockhart (1794-1854) was a notable Scottish writer and biographer, best remembered for his intimate and definitive biography of his father-in-law, Sir Walter Scott. Born in Cambusnethan House in Lanarkshire and educated at the University of Glasgow and Balliol College, Oxford, Lockhart was as much a man of letters as he was a member of the legal fraternity, having trained as a barrister. However, his literary inclinations led him down a different path. Lockhart contributed to Blackwood's Magazine and eventually became the editor of the Quarterly Review, wielding considerable influence in the literary circles of his time.

His foray into novel-writing produced works such as 'Valerius: A Roman Story' (1821), which showcased his narrative flair and deep engagement with historical themes. 'Valerius' is a testament to Lockhart's skillful blending of detailed classical knowledge with the storytelling techniques of the historical genre, which was burgeoning at the time. Lockhart's literary style is characterized by its rich detail, evocative historical settings, and a keen insight into human nature and societal norms. Despite his other literary achievements, it is 'Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart.' that remains his magnum opus, securing his position as an eminent figure in the 19th-century literary canon. His legacy persists in his portrayal of one of Scotland's most celebrated literary figures, and in the reflection of the era's cultural and intellectual preoccupations within his works.