Sir Walter Scott was a Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright. He is best known for his novels such as "Ivanhoe," "Rob Roy," and "Waverley," which are set against the backdrop of historical events and are known for their vivid portrayal of Scottish culture and history. Scott's work had a significant influence on the development of the historical novel genre and he is often considered to be one of the most important figures in Scottish literature. In addition to his literary contributions, Scott was also a prominent figure in Scottish cultural and political circles during the 19th century.