Waverley

Often regarded as the first historical novel, Waverley was Scott's first attempt at prose fiction. The novel was a huge success with the first edition selling 1,000 copies within the first two days of publication.  The book follows the story of Edward Waverley, an English man whose family has strong political ties. After being enlisted in the Hanoverian Army and posted to Dundee in Scotland, Waverley visits Baron Bradwardine and meets Rose Bradwardine, the Baron's daughter. After staying with the Baron and Rose for several days, Waverley is arrested for desertion and treason. He is later rescued by a group of Highlanders he had befriended during his time with the Baron, meets Bonnie Prince Charlie, and marries Rose after taking part in the Battle of Prestonpans and saving the life of a prominent colonel. Inspired by the 18th-century Enlightenment ideas that all humans deserve equal respect and justice, regardless of class, religion, family or politics, Scott was the first novelist to depict peasant characters as moral equals to merchants, soldiers and kings.  These philosophies are thought to contribute largely to the novel's success. Due to the great popularity of the work and although not entirely connected with plot elements or characters, the books following Waverley have become collectively known as The Waverley Novels.