While historical novels existed before Scott, his work, like *Waverley* (1814), revolutionized the genre by:
* Focusing on historical accuracy: Scott meticulously researched his settings and characters, bringing historical events to life in a realistic way.
* Creating vivid characters: He went beyond simple historical figures and gave them depth and personality, making them relatable to readers.
* Blending history and romance: Scott's novels often featured a strong romantic plotline interwoven with historical events.
* Popularizing the genre: His immense success with historical novels paved the way for future authors in the genre.
Therefore, Scott is widely recognized as the figure who elevated the historical novel to a significant and enduring literary form.