On 21st September 1832 Sir Walter Scott died.

The Scottish author is considered to be the first English language author to have had a truly international career in his own lifetime, and his work is still both available and read.

As well as the novels for which he is primarily remembered, Scott also wrote poetry. He was a truly successful and wealthy author. Unfortunately, in 1825 a UK banking crisis took out a printing business in which he had an interest. Scott himself took on the company's debts, despite the fact that this ruined him.

He then spent the next few years trying to clear these debts, turning down offers of help from friends and admirers (including the king) and refusing to declare bankruptcy. Trying to clear them was a probable contributor to his death. Although he died still owing money, his novels continued to generate income and the outstanding debts were soon cleared.

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