The Last of the Lairds

A new scholarly edition of Galt's 1826 text

• Provides the 1826 text as well as the text of the surviving half of the manuscript for the first time
• Includes an introduction and essay to help the reader navigate the complicated textual and professional contexts of a highly anticipated novel
• Includes detailed annotations on social, linguistic and cultural characteristics of west-central Scotland in 1825-26

The Last of the Lairds (1826) is the last in a series of Scottish novels including Annals of the Parish (1821) and The Provost (1822). Here, Galt depicts Malachi Mailings of Auldbiggings, a foolish old laird struggling to come to terms with new economic forces and a rapidly changing Scotland represented by the wealthy Nabob, Mr Rupees, to whom the laird’s property is mortgaged. The book was composed during Galt’s departure for North America, an adventure which opened up a new series of novels including Lawrie Todd (1830) and Bogle Corbet (1831). Galt’s travel plans led to the work being brought to a close rather quickly, leaving the editorial work and the writing of the final chapters to his friend David Macbeth Moir. The Last of the Lairds is therefore unique in its collaborative nature and for its place between two eras of Galt’s life as a writer.