Monthly supplement of the penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, issue 37, September 29 to October 31, 1832

This edition offers a concise yet vivid portrait of one of the most beloved figures of 19th‑century literature, drawn from the recollections of someone who knew him personally. The memoir focuses on the formative years that shaped his imagination, giving listeners a sense of the world that nurtured his talent.

Born in Edinburgh’s bustling College Wynd in 1771, he grew up in a respectable household where law and letters intersected. His father was a steady, well‑regarded solicitor, while his mother, a daughter of university physicians, brought poetry, conversation and a network of literary acquaintances into the family home. Their combined influence opened doors to the intellectual circles that would later appear in his works.

The sketch also hints at his early encounters with Scotland’s border folklore and the ancestral stories that inspired his first forays into drama. Listeners will come away with a clear picture of how his upbringing and family ties laid the groundwork for the prolific career that followed, making the tribute both informative and engaging.