Guy Mannering

Archibald Constable and Co.
Industry	Publishing
Founded	1815
Headquarters	Edinburgh, Scotland
Products	Books, including the first edition of Guy Mannering

Guy Mannering; or, The Astrologer represents the second installment in the Waverley novels series authored by Walter Scott, initially released anonymously in 1815. Although Scott originally intended to craft a tale with supernatural elements, he altered his approach early in the process. Upon publication, the novel achieved immediate commercial success, with all copies of the first edition sold on the day it became available.

Composition

The writing of Guy Mannering commenced in late 1814, shortly after Scott completed his narrative poem The Lord of the Isles, and concluded by mid-February 1815. In correspondence dated 19 January 1815, Scott conveyed his wish to differentiate this novel from Waverley, remarking that contemporary readers found it more captivating.

Editions

The initial release of Guy Mannering occurred in Edinburgh through Archibald Constable and Co., distributed across three volumes with a print run of 2,000 copies, each priced at one guinea (£1.05). Soon afterward, London-based publisher Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown issued 1,500 copies. Consistent with all Waverley novels published before 1827, this edition appeared without authorial attribution. Due to high demand, subsequent editions comprising 5,000 copies were produced in March and May as the second and third printings. The extent of Scott’s direct involvement in these early editions remains uncertain, except for the 1823 18mo Novels and Tales edition and the extensively revised "Magnum" edition of 1829, which included Scott’s introduction, annotations, and textual amendments.

The definitive modern scholarly edition was prepared by P. D. Garside in 1999 as Volume 2 of the Edinburgh Edition of the Waverley Novels, primarily based on the first edition; material from the Magnum version appears in Volume 25a.

Plot background

Set between the 1760s and 1780s, Guy Mannering unfolds mainly within Galloway, located in southwest Scotland, with additional scenes in Cumberland, Holland, and India. The narrative centers on Henry "Harry" Bertram, offspring of the Laird of Ellangowan, who is abducted at five years old by smugglers after witnessing a customs officer’s murder. The story chronicles Harry’s journey alongside his family’s trials and tribulations concerning Ellangowan’s inheritance amid a backdrop rife with smuggling and highway robbery.

Plot summary

After departing from Oxford, Guy Mannering embarks on solitary travels through southwestern Scotland near the Solway Firth. When lost during nighttime, he is guided to Ellangowan estate, residence of Mr Godfrey Bertram. Despite Mrs Bertram being in labor, Mannering receives a warm welcome. There he encounters Dominie Sampson, an erudite yet socially inept tutor, as well as Meg Merrilies, a wild Gypsy woman who predicts the fate of the newborn child. Mannering foresees three perilous phases in the child’s life but chooses to withhold specifics until the child reaches five years old. Additionally, he comes across Dirk Hatteraick, a smuggler operating near Ellangowan’s coast.

Prior to his fifth birthday, Harry Bertram disappears while under the supervision of excise officer Kennedy; Kennedy is subsequently murdered by smugglers. Harry vanishes without any clue; his mother dies soon after childbirth.

Seventeen years later, Colonel Mannering returns from India to discover Godfrey Bertram gravely ill and Ellangowan estate up for sale. Mannering attempts to purchase it but fails to secure ownership; instead, it is acquired by Glossin—a corrupt individual responsible for much of the Bertram family’s misfortunes. The sale includes a stipulation that Ellangowan will revert if a male heir is identified.

Mannering’s daughter Julia secretly pursues a relationship with Vanbeest Brown, a cavalry officer whose origins are uncertain and who is presumed dead by Mannering following a duel in India. Julia’s mother had hidden Brown’s visits to avoid her husband’s disapproval. After her mother passes away, Julia and Mannering relocate to Woodbourne near Ellangowan and invite Lucy Bertram to be Julia’s companion along with Dominie Sampson serving as librarian.

Brown arrives in Scotland after traveling through remote territories. At Mump's Hall inn he befriends farmer Dandie Dinmont and encounters Meg Merrilies who recognizes him instantly. After defending Dinmont from robbers, Brown stays at Dinmont’s farm where he meets Gabriel—the gamekeeper—who also appears familiar with him.

At Woodbourne estate, excise officers under Mannering’s command repel smuggling operations; several smugglers are killed or injured during these confrontations.

On his journey northward, Brown is sheltered by Meg Merrilies from pursuing smugglers seeking him out. She provides financial assistance and instructs him to respond when summoned. Brown continues onward.

Julia humorously documents Dominie Sampson’s eccentricities and Lucy’s discouraged suitor Hazlewood—whose courtship falters due to Lucy’s lack of wealth. Unexpectedly Brown confronts them; during an altercation with Hazlewood—nervous following an earlier attack by smugglers—Hazlewood is accidentally shot. Consequently, Brown becomes a wanted man.

Glossin, now serving as justice of the peace, seeks Hazelwood's assailant to gain favor with Hazelwood's family. A suspect is detained but turns out to be smuggler Dirk Hatteraick—once Glossin’s accomplice. Hatteraick reveals that Harry Bertram was seen locally and implicates Brown in Hazelwood's injury. Glossin plots to eliminate the heir.

The death of an elderly aunt in Edinburgh raises hopes regarding Lucy's inheritance. Mannering and Dominie consult advocate Pleydell but learn that her estate will transfer to Ellangowan's heir once identified—an idea originally suggested by Meg Merrilies. Dandie Dinmont's straightforward character impresses Mannering despite their differing social standings.

Harry retreats to Cumberland and contacts his regiment for documentation; Julia's letter prompts him to return to Scotland. Upon arriving at Ellangowan he explores its ruins but is arrested by Glossin on charges related to shooting Hazlewood and imprisoned at Portanferry custom-house jail. Dinmont visits him covertly.

Mannering returns from Edinburgh; Meg Merrilies sends urgent warnings about danger at Portanferry where Glossin plans an assault timed with soldier withdrawal orchestrated via Hazelwood family communications. That night smugglers set fire to the custom-house but facilitate Harry's escape using a carriage infiltrated by Meg's Gypsy kin.

Pleydell visits Mannering; they await news anxiously until Harry arrives safely by carriage alongside Julia—shocked by Brown's return—Lucy—terrified—and Sampson—confused but overjoyed upon recognizing "little Harry." Pleydell confirms Harry as rightful heir under tailzie law for Ellangowan.

Ownership remains legally unresolved; bail proceedings commence. Meg Merrilies summons Harry; accompanied by Dinmont and Hazelwood they confront smuggler Hatteraick at Dernclough cave where Meg sustains fatal wounds during their victory. Her dying testimony along with Gabriel's evidence leads to Glossin's arrest.

Glossin bribes jailer McGuffog for access to Hatteraick; enraged by betrayal Hatteraick kills Glossin before committing suicide himself.

Reinstated as heir, Harry settles his father’s debts and constructs a new mansion funded partially through Julia’s dowry—including accommodations for Sampson and Colonel Mannering—and transfers his late aunt’s estate to sister Lucy upon her marriage to Hazelwood.

Characters

Key figures indicated in bold

Guy Mannering, who later attains the rank of colonel in the Indian army
Sophia Mannering, his spouse
Julia Mannering, their daughter
Archer, a cadet
Godfrey Bertram, proprietor of Ellangowan
Margaret Bertram, his sister
Harry Bertram, his son, also known as Vanbeest Brown
Lucy Bertram, his daughter
Mr Charles Hazelwood, her suitor
Sir Robert Hazelwood, father of Charles
Dominie Sampson, a failed clergyman and tutor to Harry
Meg Merrilies, a gypsy woman
Gabriel Faa (also called Tod Gabriel), her nephew
Gilbert Glossin, a legal practitioner
Scrow, his clerk
Dirk Hattaraick, a Dutch smuggler
Mr Frank Kennedy, Excise officer
Mr MacMorlan, Deputy Sheriff of Dumfries
Mrs MacMorlan, his wife
Mr and Mrs Mervyn, acquaintances of Colonel Mannering
Dandie Dinmont, a farmer by trade
Mrs MacCandlish, innkeeper at the Golden Arms in Kippletringan
Deacon Bearcliff, a local villager
Vanbeest Brown, involved in smuggling activities
Tib Mumps, public-house hostess
MacGuffog, a constable
Paulus Pleydell, an advocate from Edinburgh

Chapter summary

Volume One

Ch. 1: Lost in Dumfriesshire, Guy Mannering is led to Ellangowan.

Ch. 2: Guy encounters the impoverished laird of Ellangowan along with Dominie Sampson.

Ch. 3: Gypsy Meg Merrilies arrives at the birth of Ellangowan’s heir; Guy prepares an astrological chart for the newborn Harry Bertram.

Ch. 4: Guy observes that the natal chart corresponds with one he made for his wife; he meets Meg and smuggler Dirk Hatteraick.

Ch. 5: Ellangowan expresses dissatisfaction about the justice of the peace role; Guy hands him the sealed horoscope.

Ch. 6: Four years onward, with agent Glossin’s assistance, Ellangowan assumes the Justice of the Peace position and wields it harshly.

Ch. 7: Relations deteriorate between Ellangowan and the local gypsy community.

Ch. 8: The gypsies face eviction; Meg delivers a powerful rebuke.

Ch. 9: Francis Kennedy is killed during an interruption of smugglers; Harry Bertram vanishes alongside him.

Ch. 10: The Sheriff-Depute’s inquiry fails to uncover any leads.

Ch. 11: Seventeen years later, Guy learns conflicting stories regarding Harry’s disappearance.

Ch. 12: Guy writes to Arthur Mervyn recounting shooting cadet Brown (later identified as Harry) in India over advances toward Sophia; Sophia passes away leaving daughter Julia; discusses plans to sell Ellangowan estate likely to be acquired by Glossin.

Ch. 13: Ellangowan dies during the estate sale process.

Ch. 14: Although the sale is postponed, delayed authority results in Glossin securing ownership.

Ch. 15: Sampson escorts Lucy Bertram to reside with the Mac-Morlans; Mac-Morlan forbids educating Charles Hazelwood who shows interest in Lucy.

Ch. 16: Mervyn reports Julia being serenaded from a boat.

Ch. 17: Julia’s letters reveal that Brown was courting her rather than her mother.

Ch. 18: Julia describes Brown’s visits and her father’s intention to relocate her to Scotland with him.

Ch. 19: Guy organizes household at Woodbourne including Sampson and Lucy as Julia’s companion.

Ch. 20: The household settles comfortably at Woodbourne.

Ch. 21: Brown writes to Delasserre explaining his cautious pursuit of Julia.

Volume Two

Ch. 1 (22): Brown encounters Dinmont and Meg at an inn in Cumberland; Dinmont provides updates on Ellangowan affairs.

Ch. 2 (23): Brown reminds Meg of Harry; assists in repelling highwaymen; arrives at Charlieshope farmstead.

Ch. 3 (24): Brown receives a warm welcome at Charlieshope.

Ch. 4 (25): A fox-hunt features a suspicious figure named Gabriel.

Ch. 5 (26): A week filled with rural sports; Brown inquires about Gabriel’s identity.

Ch. 6 (27): Lost amid a snowstorm, Brown finds Meg singing over the dying Vanbeest Brown; she conceals him from hostile men.

Ch. 7 (28): After spending the night hidden away, Brown loses money and documents but receives additional treasure from Meg and pledges allegiance.

Ch. 8 (29): Julia reports teasing Lucy and Hazelwood in letters addressed to Matilda.

Ch. 9 (30): Julia recounts an attack by smugglers on Woodbourne that is thwarted by Guy and Hazelwood.

Ch. 10 (31): Brown appears unexpectedly and inadvertently wounds Charles Hazelwood during a scuffle.

Ch. 11 (32): Attorney Glossin investigates Brown aiming to enhance his own position.

Ch. 12 (33): Jailor MacGuffog delivers smuggler Hattaraick to Glossin who orchestrates his escape; Hattaraick asserts Harry will make a return.

Ch. 13 (34): In a cave hideout Hattaraick tells Glossin that Gabriel has identified Harry; they discuss plans to remove Harry from the country once more.

Ch. 14 (35): Glossin informs Guy that Lucy may inherit from their aunt Margaret Bertram.

Ch. 15 (36): Guy attends will reading in Edinburgh; lawyer Paulus Pleydell dismisses local disputes raised by Dinmont.

Ch. 16 (37): Pleydell takes Guy to Greyfriars Church; next day they attend Miss Bertram’s funeral service.

Ch. 17 (38): Miss Bertram’s final will establishes a trust for Harry upon his return to Scotland to inherit the estate.

Ch. 18 (39): Pleydell introduces Guy to Edinburgh society figures; Guy learns Miss Bertram heard from Meg about Harry’s survival.

Volume Three

Ch. 1 (40): After a brief stay in Cumberland, Harry returns home to Ellangowan.

Ch. 2 (41): At Ellangowan, Glossin has Harry arrested on charges.

Ch. 3 (42): Glossin arranges for Sir Robert Hazelwood to examine Harry physically and legally.

Ch. 4 (43): Harry undergoes medical and legal examinations.

Ch. 5 (44): Harry is imprisoned at Portanferry jail.

Ch. 6 (45): Dinmont arrives, listens to Harry’s account, remains to guard him while incarcerated.

Ch. 7 (46): Sampson meets Meg who sends a message intended for Guy Mannering.

Ch. 8 (47): Guy dispatches his valet following Meg’s letter; Meg instructs Charles Hazelwood regarding guard transfer but Mac-Morlan carries it out instead.

Ch. 9 (48): Smugglers assault customs house and prison; two assist in facilitating escape for Harry and Dinmont.

Ch. 10 (49): Pleydell arrives at Woodbourne; Guy reports having followed Meg’s orders by bringing people from Portanferry jail.

Ch. 11 (50): Harry and Sampson arrive safely at Woodbourne; circumstances are clarified there.

Ch. 12 (51): Sampson introduces Harry and Lucy as siblings; Guy clarifies misunderstandings about Harry’s attentions toward Julia while in India.

Ch. 13 (52): Despite legal obstacles noted by Pleydell, Sir Robert grants bail for Harry; Meg confronts Harry near Ellangowan estate grounds.

Ch. 14 (53): Meg guides Harry and Dinmont to refuge within a cave hideout.

Ch. 15 (54): Hattaraick is captured during an incident when Meg sustains gunshot wounds.

Ch. 16 (55): Meg succumbs to her injuries; Harry is acclaimed as rightful heir of Ellangowan estate.

Ch. 17 (56): Pleydell interrogates Hattaraick and Glossin leading to their incarceration.

Ch. 18 (57): Hattaraick kills Glossin before taking his own life.

Ch. 19 (58): Marriage arrangements are made for Charles with Lucy and Harry with Julia; Guy plans residence near new grand house at Ellangowan estate.

Significance and Roles of Key Characters

The character Guy Mannering, who lends his name to the novel, plays a relatively minor role as a family acquaintance who employs astrology to foresee Henry's destiny at birth.

Meg Merrilies, the gypsy expelled early from the Bertram estate, remains steadfastly loyal and significantly influences the storyline. Her character draws inspiration from an 18th-century Romani woman named Jean Gordon.

Dandie Dinmont is portrayed as a rugged yet amiable upland farmer known for breeding terriers—the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed carries his name. It is believed that Scott based this figure on his acquaintance Willie Elliot of Millburnholm.

Dominie Sampson, depicted as a modest scholar who faced hardships despite his classical education, embodies the Scottish term used for a schoolmaster.

Tib Mumps, the disreputable innkeeper where Meg Merrilies and Bertram encounter each other, is modeled after Mumps Hall located in Gilsland.

Critical Reception

Guy Mannering achieved commercial success but garnered varied critical opinions. While generally positive, reviews often expressed certain concerns. Scott’s dynamic prose, vivid scene-setting, astute understanding of human behavior, and striking characters such as Meg Merrilies and Dandie Dinmont were lauded. Conversely, critics took issue with the astrological elements, perceived weaknesses in plot development, the lackluster portrayal of young female characters, and an overly caricatured Dominie Sampson—although he was mostly well-received. Additionally, some found the sections written in Scots dialect challenging to comprehend.

Stage and Musical Adaptations

Daniel Terry, an English dramatist and friend of Scott, transformed the novel into a theatrical production featuring music composed by Henry Bishop. This musical adaptation debuted at London's Covent Garden Theatre on 12 March 1816, with Sarah Egerton portraying Meg Merrilies. The production may have been among the earliest full operatic presentations in New Zealand when performed by the Carandini company during their tour in Dunedin in September 1862.

External links