The Antiquary

Jonathan Oldbuck is an amateur historian, archaeologist and collector of items of dubious antiquity. While taking a coach from Edinburgh, he meets young Mr. William Lovel, who is interested as he is in antiquities. When Oldbuck introduces Lovel to his neighbor Sir Arthur Wardour and his family, Lovel falls in love with Sir Arthur's daughter Isabella. Together, all of them go to the ancient ruins of Saint Ruth on Sir Arthur's property to look for an ancient treasure that Oldbuck believes to be buried at the ruins.

Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright and poet. He was the first modern English-language author to have a truly international career in his lifetime and many of his works remain classics of British literature. Famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of the Lake, Waverley, The Heart of Midlothian and The Bride of Lammermoor.