Le Nain Noir
Le Nain Noir is a historical fiction novel by Walter Scott, written in the early 19th century. Set in the remote Highlands of Scotland, it follows Hobby Elliot, a young farmer, who becomes entangled in the local legends surrounding Elshie de Mucklestane, the titular Black Dwarf. The narrative explores themes of superstition, human nature, and the interplay between folklore and reality, as Hobby confronts the darker aspects of his rural community. The novel highlights the tension between isolation and the need for connection in a landscape steeped in mystery and magic.
Editions
X-Ray
“As I may, without vanity, presume that the name and official description prefixed to this Proem will secure it, from the sedate and reflecting part of mankind, to whom only I would be understood to address myself, such attention as is due to the sedulous instructor of youth, and the careful performer of my Sabbath duties, I will forbear to hold up a candle to the daylight, or to point out to the judicious those recommendations of my labours which they must necessarily anticipate from the perusal of the title-page. Nevertheless, I am not unaware, that, as Envy always dogs Merit at the heels, there may be those who will whisper, that albeit my learning and good principles cannot (lauded be the heavens) be denied by any one, yet that my situation at Gandercleugh hath been more favourable to my acquisitions in learning than to the enlargement of my views of the ways and works of the present generation. To the which objection, if, peradventure, any such shall be started, my answer shall be threefold:””
— Walter Scott
