David Steuart Erskine, 11th. Earl of Buchan : a study of his life and correspondence

[摘要] [From the Prefatory note]. All the biographical accounts of David SteuartErskine, 11th Earl of Buchan, are slight, and often veryunsympathetic. Most have relied for factual informationon his obituary, published in volume 99 of The Gentleman’sMagazine. Malicious and distorted comments, particularlyby Sir Walter Scott, have been responsible for the growthof a legend about Buchan’s eccentricity, although thecharge of absurd conduct was lodged against him in hisown lifetime. It is interesting to note that a tradesman in Galashiels, near Buchan’s former residence atDryburgh Abbey, was found to talk about Buchan’s patriotism,but at much greater length about his oddities, as recentlyas 1962.Those who could have given posterity a fairassessment of Buchan did not do so, and the way was leftopen for those who saw him only as vain and self-seeking.He was unlucky in living in the neighbourhood of Scott’shouse, Abbotsford, and because of this he has never hadhis due, even in the Border Country where he spent almosthalf his life. The cult of Scott flourishes there, butto Buchan there is no memorial. Whereas Abbotsford ismuch sought after, and is still in the possession of Scott’sdescendants, Dryburgh Abbey passed from Buchan’s family and was given to the nation. Scott would probably have beenamused had he known that the time would come when visitorsto the Abbey would seek out his grave whilst that ofBuchan goes unnoticed.

[发布机构] University:University of St Andrews;Department:English (School of)

[效力级别] Buchan, David Stewart Erskine, Earl of, 1742-1829--Correspondence

[关键词] Buchan, David Stewart Erskine, Earl of, 1742-1829--Biography;Buchan, David Stewart Erskine, Earl of, 1742-1829--Correspondence