The mere bulk of that work bears witness to two things: first that Scott was primarily a creative writer; again, that he was of those who write much rather than minutely.

It is obvious that to attack details would be easy.

And since he was only secondarily a critic, it is natural that his critical opinions should not have been erected into any system.

But while they are essentially desultory, they are the ideas of a man whose information and enthusiasm extended through a wide range of studies; and they are rendered impressive by the abundance, variety, and energy, which mark them as characteristic of Scott..