Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish writer, historian and public advocate. Born into a family of doctors and lawyers, Scott was exposed to intellectualism at an early age. He was an avid reader and fan of fairytales and historical dramas. As a teen, he worked as an apprentice to his attorney father before embarking on a literary career sparked by an interest in German Romanticism. His first book, The Chase, and William and Helen was published in 1796 followed by his more popular works, The Lady of the Lake, Rob Roy and Ivanhoe.