A novel by A poet
In 1814, three years after he bought Cartleyhole, Sir Walter Scott wrote his first novel. Waverley was to become the most successful novel ever published in English, although it was originally brought out anonymously to protect his reputation as a poet. His identity was not publicly acknowledged until 1827. Many more highly-regarded books, poems and essays were to follow, including Guy Mannering in 1815. This sold 2,000 copies on the first day of publication. Rob Roy came out in 1818 and sold 10,000 copies in two weeks. Ivanhoe, The Monastery and The Abbot were all published in 1820. In 1825, his publisher, Ballantine, went bankrupt, triggering a major financial crisis for Sir Walter. He was determined to pay off his massive debts through his writing, and it is believed his efforts may have shortened his life. He is buried in Dryburgh Abbey, approximately 10 miles away from his home at Abbotsford.