Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border; Consisting of Historical and Romantic Poets, Walter Scott, Second edition, Edinburgh, 1803

Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border (Edinburgh, 1803) is the influential early work of Sir Walter Scott, issued here in its second edition, expanded to three volumes. Originally published in two volumes in 1802, this 1803 edition is considered the first complete and substantially revised edition, incorporating many additional ballads, historical annotations, and a more comprehensive introduction that reflects Scott’s growing antiquarian interest and literary ambition.

The work is a landmark in the recovery and literary presentation of Scottish oral tradition. Scott, drawing from both written sources and fieldwork, collected and edited these ballads of the Anglo-Scottish borderlands, mixing historical commentary with romantic nationalism. His editorial approach balanced scholarly fidelity with literary flourish, helping to elevate balladry in the eyes of contemporary readers and paving the way for the Romantic movement in literature.

Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border; Consisting of Historical and Romantic Poets, Collected in the Southern Counties of Scotland; with a Few of Modern Date, Founded Upon Local Tradition. In Three Volumes (complete).

Printed by James Ballantyne, for Longman and Rees, London; and sold by Manners and Miller, and A. Constable, Edinburgh. 1803 second edition. Now a scarce set.

A very good set indeed, rebound in the 20th Century with tan leather spines and complementary linen over boards. The spines with green morocco title labels with gilt, and separate gilt numbering to spine. The spines have an attractive patina, and covers are crisp and clean. Some sunning to the cloth in places, but a handsome set. All very soundly bound. 

Text is generally clean and bright, but with scattered age spotting and occasional minor flaw commensurate with age. Age toning to page edges. Previous owner's name to Volume III title page. A nicely presented set.

Text in English/Scots.

Vol I; (vi) + clxvii (introduction) + 291pp; 

Vol II; (v) + 426pp; 

Vol III; (vii) + 420pp (1) Publisher's advertisement. 

The introduction in Volume I is extensive, in which Sir Walter Scott offers a historical and cultural overview of the Scottish Borders, emphasising the region's turbulent past marked by centuries of feuds, raids, and clan warfare. Scott contextualizes the ballads as products of this unique frontier society, shaped by its semi-lawless conditions and fierce local loyalties. He defends the literary merit of traditional ballads and the importance of preserving oral tradition, while also acknowledging the editorial challenges of balancing authenticity with intelligibility for a modern readership. The introduction reflects Scott’s dual role as both antiquarian and poet, blending scholarly insight with romantic nationalism to frame the ballads not merely as curiosities, but as vital expressions of the Scottish historical imagination.

Weight approximately 2025g unpacked (the set).

Approx Dimensions: 

Each volume approximately 213mm high x 139mm wide x c. 35mm deep.