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In this paper, we study a class of non-parametric density estimators under Bayesian settings. The estimators are piecewise constant functions on binary partitions. We analyze the concentration rate of the posterior distribution under a suitable prior, and demonstrate that the rate does not directly depend on the dimension of the problem. This paper can be viewed as an extension of a parallel work where the convergence rate of a related sieve MLE was established. Compared to the sieve MLE, the main advantage of the Bayesian method is that it can adapt to the unknown complexity of the true density function, thus achieving the optimal convergence rate without artificial conditions on the density.

In this paper, we consider the nonparametric estimation of the multivariate probability density function and its partial derivative with a support on $[0,\infty)$. To this end we use the class of kernel estimators with asymmetric gamma kernel functions. The gamma kernels are nonnegative. They change their shape depending on the position on the semi-axis and are robust to the boundary bias problem. We investigate the mean integrated squared error (MISE) assuming dependent data with strong mixing and find the optimal bandwidth of the kernel as a minimum of the MISE. We derive the bias, the variance and the covariance of the density and of its partial derivative.

We consider a continuous-time stochastic volatility model. The model contains a stationary volatility process, the multivariate density of the finite dimensional distributions of which we aim to estimate. We assume that we observe the process at discrete instants in time. The sampling times will be equidistant with vanishing distance. A multivariate Fourier-type deconvolution kernel density estimator based on the logarithm of the squared processes is proposed to estimate the multivariate volatility density. An expansion of the bias and a bound on the variance are derived. Key words: stochastic volatility models, multivariate density estimation, kernel estimator, deconvolution, mixing

The performance of multivariate kernel density estimation (KDE) depends strongly on the choice of bandwidth matrix. The high computational cost required for its estimation provides a big motivation to develop fast and accurate methods. One of such methods is based on the Fast Fourier Transform. However, the currently available implementation works very well only for the univariate KDE and it's multivariate extension suffers from a very serious limitation as it can accurately operate only with diagonal bandwidth matrices. A more general solution is presented where the above mentioned limitation is relaxed. Moreover, the presented solution can by easily adopted also for the task of efficient computation of integrated density derivative functionals involving an arbitrary derivative order. Consequently, bandwidth selection for kernel density derivative estimation is also supported. The practical usability of the new solution is demonstrated by comprehensive numerical simulations.

The performance of multivariate kernel density estimation (KDE) depends strongly on the choice of bandwidth matrix. The high computational cost required for its estimation provides a big motivation to develop fast and accurate methods. One of such methods is based on the Fast Fourier Transform. However, the currently available implementation works very well only for the univariate KDE and it's multivariate extension suffers from a very serious limitation as it can accurately operate only with diagonal bandwidth matrices. A more general solution is presented where the above mentioned limitation is relaxed. Moreover, the presented solution can by easily adopted also for the task of efficient computation of integrated density derivative functionals involving an arbitrary derivative order. Consequently, bandwidth selection for kernel density derivative estimation is also supported. The practical usability of the new solution is demonstrated by comprehensive numerical simulations.

The paper deals with the density estimation on Rd under sup- norm loss. We provide with fully data-driven estimation procedure and establish for it so called sup-norm oracle inequality. The pro- posed estimator allows to take into account not only approximation properties of the underlying density but eventual independence struc- ture as well. Our results contain, as a particular case, the complete solution of the bandwidth selection problem in multivariate density model. Usefulness of the developed approach is illustrated by appli- cation to adaptive estimation over anisotropic Nikolskii classes.

The paper deals with the density estimation on Rd under sup- norm loss. We provide with fully data-driven estimation procedure and establish for it so called sup-norm oracle inequality. The pro- posed estimator allows to take into account not only approximation properties of the underlying density but eventual independence struc- ture as well. Our results contain, as a particular case, the complete solution of the bandwidth selection problem in multivariate density model. Usefulness of the developed approach is illustrated by appli- cation to adaptive estimation over anisotropic Nikolskii classes.

We show that rate-adaptive multivariate density estimation can be performed using Bayesian methods based on Dirichlet mixtures of normal kernels with a prior distribution on the kernel's covariance matrix parameter. We derive sufficient conditions on the prior specification that guarantee convergence to a true density at a rate that is optimal minimax for the smoothness class to which the true density belongs. No prior knowledge of smoothness is assumed. The sufficient conditions are shown to hold for the Dirichlet location mixture of normals prior with a Gaussian base measure and an inverse-Wishart prior on the covariance matrix parameter. Locally H\"older smoothness classes and their anisotropic extensions are considered. Our study involves several technical novelties, including sharp approximation of finitely differentiable multivariate densities by normal mixtures and a new sieve on the space of such densities.

We apply the stochastic approximation method to construct a large class of recursive kernel estimators of a probability density, including the one introduced by Hall and Patil (1994). We study the properties of these estimators and compare them with Rosenblatt's nonrecursive estimator. It turns out that, for pointwise estimation, it is preferable to use the nonrecursive Rosenblatt's kernel estimator rather than any recursive estimator. A contrario, for estimation by confidence intervals, it is better to use a recursive estimator rather than Rosenblatt's estimator.

In this paper, we study the problem of pointwise estimation of a multivariate density. We provide a data-driven selection rule from the family of kernel estimators and derive for it a pointwise oracle inequality. Using the latter bound, we show that the proposed estimator is minimax and minimax adaptive over the scale of anisotropic Nikolskii classes. It is important to emphasize that our estimation method adjusts automatically to eventual independence structure of the underlying density. This, in its turn, allows to reduce significantly the influence of the dimension on the accuracy of estimation (curse of dimensionality). The main technical tools used in our considerations are pointwise uniform bounds of empirical processes developed recently in Lepski [Math. Methods Statist. 22 (2013) 83-99].

Our article addresses the problem of flexibly estimating a multivariate density while also attempting to estimate its marginals correctly. We do so by proposing two new estimators that try to capture the best features of mixture of normals and copula estimators while avoiding some of their weaknesses. The first estimator we propose is a mixture of normals copula model that is a flexible alternative to parametric copula models such as the normal and t copula. The second is a marginally adapted mixture of normals estimator that improves on the standard mixture of normals by using information contained in univariate estimates of the marginal densities. We show empirically that copula based approaches can behave much better or much worse than estimators based on mixture of normals depending on the properties of the data. We provide fast and reliable implementations of the estimators and illustrate the methodology on simulated and real data.

Although univariate continuous density estimation has received abundant attention in the Bayesian nonparametrics literature, there is limited theory on multivariate mixed scale density estimation. In this article, we consider a general framework to jointly model continuous, count and categorical variables under a nonparametric prior, which is induced through rounding latent variables having an unknown density with respect to Lebesgue measure. For the proposed class of priors, we provide sufficient conditions for large support, strong consistency and rates of posterior contraction. These conditions allow one to convert sufficient conditions obtained in the setting of multivariate continuous density estimation to the mixed scale case.

Non-parametric estimation of a multivariate density estimation is tackled via a method which combines traditional local smoothing with a form of global smoothing but without imposing a rigid structure. Simulation work delivers encouraging indications on the effectiveness of the method. An application to density-based clustering illustrates a possible usage.

We present xokde++, a state-of-the-art online kernel density estimation approach that maintains Gaussian mixture models input data streams. The approach follows state-of-the-art work on online density estimation, but was redesigned with computational efficiency, numerical robustness, and extensibility in mind. Our approach produces comparable or better results than the current state-of-the-art, while achieving significant computational performance gains and improved numerical stability. The use of diagonal covariance Gaussian kernels, which further improve performance and stability, at a small loss of modelling quality, is also explored. Our approach is up to 40 times faster, while requiring 90\% less memory than the closest state-of-the-art counterpart.

We study a non-parametric approach to multivariate density estimation. The estimators are piecewise constant density functions supported by binary partitions. The partition of the sample space is learned by maximizing the likelihood of the corresponding histogram on that partition. We analyze the convergence rate of the sieve maximum likelihood estimator, and reach a conclusion that for a relatively rich class of density functions the rate does not directly depend on the dimension. This suggests that, under certain conditions, this method is immune to the curse of dimensionality, in the sense that it is possible to get close to the parametric rate even in high dimensions. We also apply this method to several special cases, and calculate the explicit convergence rates respectively.

We consider the problem of estimating the population probability distribution given a finite set of multivariate samples, using the maximum entropy approach. In strict keeping with Jaynes' original definition, our precise formulation of the problem considers contributions only from the smoothness of the estimated distribution (as measured by its entropy) and the loss functional associated with its goodness-of-fit to the sample data, and in particular does not make use of any additional constraints that cannot be justified from the sample data alone. By mapping the general multivariate problem to a tractable univariate one, we are able to write down exact expressions for the goodness-of-fit of an arbitrary multivariate distribution to any given set of samples using both the traditional likelihood-based approach and a rigorous information-theoretic approach, thus solving a long-standing problem. As a corollary we also give an exact solution to the `forward problem' of determining the expected distributions of samples taken from a population with known probability distribution.

Continuous multivariate data is ubiquitous in U.S. Military Operations Research. Since continuous distributions are fully characterized by their probability density functions, we concentrate on estimating such functions. Current estimation methods perform well for low dimensions; however, they can be too restrictive to capture the actual data characteristics, and can become intractable beyond three dimensions. This work develops a new estimation technique that seeks to increase flexibility and mitigate the curse of dimensionality. We achieve both by modeling the actual density using piecewise affine functions; however, we impose a nonconvex maximum likelihood optimization problem. The problem includes nine parameters, which can each affect the resulting estimate likelihood value and computation time. We conduct case studies on estimating the density for data up to five dimensions on sample sizes as low as 100 points. The results indicate progress in moderating the nonconvexity challenge to optimize the likelihood, and demonstrate potential advantages over currently used methods.

In a number of situations, the experimenter is confronted with the statistical analysis of the data which is binary in nature. For example, one may be interested in diagnosis of the disease on the basis of symptoms. The reliability of complicated systems can be studied by examining as to whether its components are functioning or not. In image processing, a picture is classified on the basis of two grey levels like white and black using some threshold value. We may assign a score of 1 or 0 according as the grey level is white or black respectively. So, it is important to study the problems of estimation of multivariate binary density. Cencov expressed continuous multivariate density as a series of orthonormal functions. Bahadur expressed the multivariate binary density as a series. Ott and Kronmal expressed the density as a series involving Walsh functions. Liang and Krishnaiah also expressed the density in terms of Walsh functions but the coefficients in their series are different from those used by Ott and Kronmal. This paper is a continuation of the work done by Liang and Krishnaiah.

The problem addressed concerns the estimation of a p-dimensional multivariate density, given only a set of n observation vectors, together with information that the density function is likely to be reasonably smooth. A solution is proposed which employs up to n + 1/2 p(p+1) smoothing parameters, all of which may be estimated by their posterior means. This avoids the well-known difficulties, associated with even one-dimensional kernel estimators, of estimating the bandwidth or smoothing parameter by a mathematical procedure. The posterior mean value function, unconditional upon the smoothing parameters, turns out to be a data-based mixture of multivariate t-distributions. The corresponding estimate of the sampling covariance matrix may be viewed as a shrinkage estimator of the Bayes-Stein type. The results involve some finite series which may be evaluated by straightforward simulation procedure. (Author)

1Ivanhoe

By Sir Walter Scott

Follows the fortunes of the son of a noble Saxon family in Norman England as he woos his lady, disobeys his father, and is loved by another. Set in late 12C England and in Palestine with Richard Cœur-de-Lion at the Crusades, it's another ripping historical yarn by Scott. (summary by annise)

2Talisman

By Sir Walter Scott

The Talisman is a gripping tale set near the end of the Third Crusade. King Richard the Lionheart is grievously ill, and all around him the leaders from allied countries plot and scheme to gain personal power, putting the future of the crusade in jeopardy. Sir Kenneth of Scotland finds himself caught up in events, and finds both his honour and his life are now on the line. Can a cure be found for the King? Can Kenneth redeem his honour? – Written by Rowen

3Rob Roy

By Sir Walter Scott

Rob Roy is a historical novel by Walter Scott. It is narrated by Frank Osbaldistone, the son of an English merchant who travels first to the North of England, and subsequently to the Scottish Highlands to collect a debt stolen from his father. On the way he encounters the larger-than-life title character of Rob Roy MacGregor. Though Rob Roy is not the lead character (in fact the narrative does not move to Scotland until half way through the book) his personality and actions are key to the development of the novel. (Summary from Wikipedia)

4Journals of Robert Falcon Scott; Vol 1 of 'Scott's Last Expedition'

By Leonard Huxley and Robert Falcon Scott

Capt. Robert F. Scott's bid to be the leader of the first expedition to reach the South Pole is one of the most famous journeys of all time. What started as a scientific expedition turned out to be an unwilling race against a team lead by R. Admunsen to reach the Pole. The Norwegian flag already stood at the end of the trail when Scott's party reached their target. All the five men of the Scott expedition who took part in the last march to the Pole perished on their way back to safety.<br><br> Robert F. Scott kept a journal throughout the journey, all the way to the tragic end, documenting all aspects of the expedition. The famous last words of the journal were: 'It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more. For God's sake look after our people.'<br> (Summary by Illiterati)

5Kenilworth

By Sir Walter Scott

An Elizabethan era historical novel by Scotland's master of fiction, Sir Walter Scott. With a cast of historical and created characters, including the Queen herself, Scott presents the sad history and tragic consequences of the secretive marriage of young Amy Robsart and the Earl of Leicester. (Summary by SK)

6Antiquary

By Andrew Lang and Sir Walter Scott

Illegitimacy, false identity, and bankruptcy are the major elements of Sir Walter Scott's 1816 novel, The Antiquary. Set in the period of the French Revolution, the novel's hero, Lovel, struggles to gain repute and the hand of his beloved despite his uncertain parentage. During these pursuits, he befriends the title's antiquary, Johnathan Oldbuck, who finds Lovel a captive audience to his scholarly studies and a tragic likeness to his own disappointments in love. Readers will discover whether Lovel's acts of bravery and courage ultimately earn him the birth and fortunes of a nobleman. (Summary by S. Kovalchik)

7Waverley, Volume 1

By Sir Walter Scott

<i>Waverley</i> is set during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, which sought to restore the Stuart dynasty in the person of Charles Edward Stuart (or 'Bonnie Prince Charlie'). It relates the story of a young dreamer and English soldier, Edward Waverley, who was sent to Scotland in 1745. He journeys North from his aristocratic family home, Waverley-Honour, in the south of England first to the Scottish Lowlands and the home of family friend Baron Bradwardine, then into the Highlands and the heart of the 1745 Jacobite uprising and aftermath. (Summary by Wikipedia)

The narrative poems in this collection are written by Sir Walter Scott - the well-known Scottish poet and novelist. Each of these five poems are based loosely upon German ballads: rewritten in flowing English meter. <br></br> * The Chase - a.k.a. The Wild Huntsman - A profligate, noble-born keeper of the royal forest - avidly addicted to the pleasures of the hunt - cruelly uses and mistreats his fellow-men. One day God's messengers come to test him: executing sentence immediately in just proportion to the huntsman's responses.<br></br> * William & Helen - William - long thought dead - unexpectedly returns at midnight from the crusades to marry his betrothed. Helen - relieved at his return - joyfully agree,s after initial misgivings: follows him on horseback into the night. Approaching the church in which they will celebrate their wedding: it is clear to Helen that all is not what it seems. But, with their mutual love strong enough to transcend death itself - what can possibly go wrong?<br></br> * The Fire King - Count Albert never returns from crusade: having being imprisoned by Saracens. Rosalie, his betrothed, swears to leave at once for Lebanon to find him. Rosalie succeeds - but alas, all is changed between them forever: and their parting is death itself.<br></br> * Frederick & Alice - Frederick breaks troth and abandons the beautiful Alice: sending her mad with grief. But Alice contrives to meet her faithless lover once more: beyond the grave.<br></br> * The Erl-King - The Erl-King (or Oak-King) sings for the soul of a human boy: who cringes for dear life within the arms of his father riding home through the dreary wood. But do spirits really have power to charm away the lives of the living?<br></br> (Introduction by Godsend)

Scott's The Bridal of Triermain is a rhymed, romantic, narrative poem which weaves together elements of popular English legend using dramatic themes. <br></br>This beautiful poem celebrates the exploits of a knight errant - Sir Roland De Vaux - as he seeks to rescue (and hopefully espouse) a beautiful maiden, Gyneth. Gyneth is the illegitimate daughter of King Arthur: doomed by Merlin 500 years previously to an enchanted sleep inside a magic castle. The enchantment can only be broken by a rescuer both brave and noble enough to overcome the temptations used successively to distract and overcome him, namely: fear, wealth, pleasure and pride.<br></br>(Introduction by Godsend)

Harold the Dauntless is a rhymed, romantic, narrative-poem by Sir Walter Scott. Written in 1817, it weaves together elements of popular English legends and folklore using dramatic themes.<br><br>The poem recounts the exploits and the personal spiritual journey of a doubtful knight errant - Harold the son of Danish Count Witikind: who seeks to recover his lands and wed a suitable spouse.<br><br>Fire-breathing Harold is as much a stranger to love as he is addicted to dangerous adventure: yet his own confrontations with the spirit-world shake his faith in supposed omnipotence of the traditional Norse pantheon.<br><br>Can a blood-thirsty warrior like Harold ever feel the raptures of love? <br><br>Can a man born to cherish gods of war really wish to exchange them for a God of peace?<br>(Introduction by Godsend)

11Waverley, Volume 2

By Sir Walter Scott

<i>Waverley</i> is set during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, which sought to restore the Stuart dynasty in the person of Charles Edward Stuart (or 'Bonnie Prince Charlie'). It relates the story of a young dreamer and English soldier, Edward Waverley, who was sent to Scotland in 1745. He journeys North from his aristocratic family home, Waverley-Honour, in the south of England first to the Scottish Lowlands and the home of family friend Baron Bradwardine, then into the Highlands and the heart of the 1745 Jacobite uprising and aftermath. (Summary by Wikipedia)

In stunning narrative poetry, the story begins during the time when Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick has been hunted out of Scotland into exile by the English and their allies. Bruce returns over sea from the Island of Rachrin: but is forced to land close to hostile forces at Artonish Castle on the seacoast of Argylshire. Seeking refuge from tempestuous seas, Bruce begs shelter from Ronald, Lord of the Isles: inadvertently on the day of his marriage feast to the beautiful Edith of Lorn.<br><br /> Bruce's very presence is enough to interrupt the nuptials and to break up the festivities: the guests quickly polarise into two armed and equally matched factions: one ready to raise Bruce to the Scottish crown, the other ready to slay him for desecration and murder. The combatants are dispersed with no bloodshed only by the combined offices of Lord Ronald himself, aided by a visiting Abbot: whereupon Bruce quickly removes himself to first the Island of Sky, and then Ayrshire: raising the an army willing to rout the English and re-establish Scottish independence. <br><br /> Bruce begins to win a steady stream of victories as his armies march inevitably towards Bannockburn. There, Bruce confronts Scotland's formidable enemy - led by the son of the Hammer of the Scots: the English outnumbering the Scots by more than two to one. <br><br /> - Can Bruce - the so-called fugitive, traitor, and turn-coat - succeed against the massed might of England?<br> - Will the beautiful Edith choose to side with her blood-relations - who fight for England; or with Lord Ronald, her betrothed - who marches to battle behind Scotland's Bruce? <br /> (Introduction by Godsend)

13Ivanhoe NL

By Sir Walter Scott

Ivanhoe is een historische roman uit 1819 van Sir Walter Scott. Het verhaal speelt ten tijde van het bewind van koning Richard Leeuwenhart en handelt over de smeulende tegenstellingen tussen de Normandiërs en de Saksen in de eeuwen na de Normandische verovering. De historische juistheid van het verhaal werd al meteen na verschijning van het boek in twijfel getrokken en Scott gaf ook toe dat het zeer waarschijnlijk was "dat ik de gebruiken van twee of drie eeuwen heb verward", maar hij troostte zich ermee dat "de fouten van deze aard aan de meeste lezers voorbij zou gaan".

14Lady of the Lake

By Sir Walter Scott

The scene of the following Poem is laid chiefly in the vicinity of Loch Katrine, in the Western Highlands of Perthshire. The time of Action includes Six Days, and the transactions of each Day occupy a Canto. (Summary by William J. Rolfe, ed.)

15Rival Pitchers of Oakdale

By Morgan Scott

Play Ball!!! It's the start of another baseball season at Oakdale Academy. But there is a rivalry brewing between the pitchers. One wants to be a starting pitcher, but he is inconsistent. Another, a new kid from Texas, has been mentored by last year's starter, and is proving to have talent. And don't forget that starting pitcher from last season, he wants to continue to take the rubber for the team. This should prove to be an exciting season for the boys! (Summary by Ann Boulais)

LibriVox volunteers bring you eight readings of End of Harvest, by William Bell Scott. This is the fortnightly poetry project for November 9, 2014.

17Monastery

By Sir Walter Scott

Dame Elspeth is kept in a tower after the death of her husband. The widow of the Baron of Avenel and her daughter seek safety with Elspeth in her tower. Hearing the baroness's deathbed confession, Father Philip notices her Bible. As he carries it to the Lord Abbot, it is taken from him by a White Lady. A sub-prior investigates this story and finds that the Bible is now back in the owner's hands. Later, Elspeth's son sees the White Lady when he snatches the Bible from a flaming altar. Intrigue follows intrigue. Halbert and Sir Piercie Shafton fight, and Halbert flees, leaving Sir Piercie mortally wounded. Shafton, however, recovers only to be accused of murdering Edward's missing brother. Mysie helps Shafton escape from jail. Edward has vowed to become a monk at the urging of the White Lady. After a battle between English and Scottish soldiers against Sir John's troops, Mysie is declared a suitable wife for Sir Piercie. The monks are allowed to keep their monastery. Summary by Bill Boerst, based on Wikipedia

18In the Village of Viger

By Duncan Campbell Scott

These ten superb short stories of Duncan Campbell Scott, published in 1896, portray humorous, farcical, and tragic aspects of life in the fictional Quebec village of Viger. Scott’s tales of the lives and vicissitudes of Viger’s inhabitants include an established milliner who is upset by the appearance of a younger, more popular rival; an innkeeper whose obsession with the Franco-Prussian War drives him mad; and a strange peddler with a carefully guarded secret that is accidentally revealed. <br><br> Duncan Campbell Scott was born in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1862. He entered the civil service in 1879 and remained until his retirement in 1932. Scott was an honored, skilled and popular poet, short-story writer, and essayist. He died in Ottawa in 1947. <br><br> For more information see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Campbell_Scott. (Lee Smalley)

An aging minstrel seeks who hospitality at Newark Castle and in recompense tells a tale of a sixteenth-century Border feud. In the poem, Lady Margaret Scott of Buccleuch, the "Flower of Teviot" is beloved by Baron Henry of Cranstown an ally of the Ker Clan, but a deadly feud exists between the two border clans of Scott and Carr/Ker, which has resulted in the recent murder of Lady Margaret's father, Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch by the Kers on the High Street in Edinburgh. Maragaret's widowed mother – Lady Janet – hates the Ker clan as a result, and is adamant in refusing her consent to any suggestion of marriage between the lovers. Summary by Wikipedia

20Woodstock, or, The Cavalier

By Sir Walter Scott

This novel is set during the English Civil War and the Commonwealth. It is comprised of real events, along with fictional ones. If you are looking for an adventure novel with romance and mystery, please look no further. This is Scott at his finest. - Summary by Stav Nisser.

A fun poem with a great rhythm . - Summary by Stav Nisser

22Black Dwarf

By Sir Walter Scott

The Black Dwarf is the first of the “Tales of My Landlord” series, which also includes The Bride of Lammermoor and The Heart of Midlothian. The third preliminary chapter depicts two horsemen arriving at the Wallace Inn in Gandercleugh, where one of the horsemen relates the tale. The story proper is set on the Scottish borders during the reign of Queen Anne. The Jacobite movement is in its infancy, but the inhabitants of this part of the country have enough to quarrel about without politics inciting them to it. Several families of high and low birth bear no good intentions to each other, and a weird, brooding dwarf, who wishes ill on all of humanity, seems to direct and perpetuate the mayhem from his lonely cottage on Mucklestane Moor. (tbragg)

23Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field

By Sir Walter Scott

Marmion is an epic poem in six cantos, written in emulation of the ancient Scottish minstrel style which was of such great interest to Scott. Unlike its predecessor, The Lay of the Last Minstrel, this one contains "introductions" to each canto, in the guise of poetic letters which serve the purpose of linking the ancient historical setting with Scott's contemporaneous society - a device which attracted some criticism.<br></br>The story of Lord Marmion and his arch-enemy Harold de Wilton is told with Scott's familiar swirling dark flair, combining a complex tale of intrigue, inconstancy and deception with the historical details of the Battle of Flodden Field, in which the English forces routed those of Scotland, killing the Scottish king. - Summary by Peter Tucker

24Romance of Polar Exploration

By G. Firth Scott

While stories of the Polar explorers and their efforts to reach the Poles have been told again and again, the constant renewal of expeditions adds, every year, fresh incidents to the record, until it may almost be said that the fascination of the frozen regions is as inexhaustible as the list of Polar heroes is illimitable. Nor is the interest confined solely to the achievement of modern explorers. However great the results of their exertions may be, the fact that, in spite of all the advantages conferred by recent scientific discovery and modern appliances, the explorers of to-day have failed to penetrate the uttermost secrets of the worlds of ice, renders more impressively heroic the struggles of the earlier travellers, whose equipment, viewed in comparison with that of modern man, was apparently so inadequate and often inappropriate. <br></br> No series of Polar adventure stories would be complete without a prominent place being given to the earlier explorers, and especially to that British hero, Franklin, whose name is so inseparably associated with the history of Arctic exploration. The account of his daring voyages and of his tragic end, at the moment of victory, has already been given in many a form; but the tale is one which will stand re-telling for generations yet to come. In the present instance it has been of necessity briefly written, but in such a manner as will, it is hoped, without loss of interest, render clear a comparison of the conditions under which he and his brave companions worked and fought to their death, with those that existed for later expeditions and especially the expeditions of Nansen, Peary, and Abruzzi. <br></br> The Antarctic, equally with the Arctic, now commands the attention of man. In the South, as in the North, the British race has again produced explorers who have fought their way into the icy fastnesses. From the time that Captain Cook sailed round the unknown southern ocean, more than a century ago, the British flag has waved in the forefront of the advance. The work which Sir James Ross began, over half a century since, has now been carried farther than ever it was anticipated it could be. By the voyage of the Discovery, the Antarctic continent has been revealed to within five hundred miles of the Pole, and in the gallant exploits of the commander, Captain Robert Scott, there are many who see a repetition of all that made the name of Franklin so immortal. <br></br> The source of the information on which these stories are based (as is frequently mentioned in the text) is the personal narrative of the explorer concerned, where available; and if the interest aroused in any of them requires more to satisfy it than the exigencies of space renders possible in this volume, the attention which will thereby be drawn to the more comprehensive records will stand as a slight acknowledgment of the indebtedness of the writer of these re-told stories to the authors of the original narratives. - Summary by the Preface

25Bride of Lammermoor

By Sir Walter Scott

An historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, part of the Tales of My Landlord series, published anonymously in 1819. Based on a true story, it is set in south-east Scotland and (in this edition) in the reign of Queen Anne, after the 1707 Acts of Union which joined Scotland and England. It tells of a tragic love affair between young Lucy Ashton and Edgar Ravenswood, her family's enemy. Lady Ashton sets out to end their engagement and make Lucy marry a man better placed politically. - Summary by Gillian Hendrie

Ivanhoe ist ein 1820 publizierter Roman von Sir Walter Scott und zugleich der Name der Hauptperson des Romans, des Kreuzritters Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe.<br><br> Die Geschichte thematisiert die Rivalitäten in England zwischen Angelsachsen und Normannen nach dem Sieg Wilhelms des Eroberers sowie die Spätfolgen der Kreuzzüge mit der Geiselnahme des englischen Königs Richard Löwenherz in Österreich. Ebenso sind die zur Zeit der Handlung existierenden Vorurteile gegenüber Juden dargestellt. Robin Hood tritt unter dem Namen „Locksley“ in Erscheinung. Die normannischen Gegenspieler Ivanhoes tragen französische Namen, weil der Adel Englands damals noch Französisch sprach (Brian de Bois-Guilbert, Maurice de Bracy, Philippe de Malvoisin, Ralph de Vipont, Reginald Front-de-Boeuf Herr von Torquilstone). In Abwesenheit König Richards stützt sich dessen jüngerer Bruder Johann Ohneland auf die Macht dieser normannischen Ritter und Barone. Gegensätze zur düsteren Gestalt des normannischen Tempelritters Bois-Guilbert bilden der Held Ivanhoe und die tragische Rolle der Rebekka. - Summary by Wikipedia

27Legend of Montrose

By Sir Walter Scott

A Legend of Montrose is one of Sir Walter Scott's <i>Tales of my Landlord</i>. It is set in the tumultuous 17th century during the Earl of Montrose's military campaign in Scotland. Allan M'Aulay and his friend Lord Menteith both serve in Montrose's army, together with the loose cannon Dugald Dalgetty. The friends are also both in love with Annot Lyle, a beautiful young lady of mysterious heritage. Will they all make it through the war, and which of the friends will Annot finally choose? - Summary by Carolin

28Guy Mannering, or, The Astrologer

By Sir Walter Scott

Guy Mannering is a young astrologer, just down from Oxford. While travelling in Scotland, he loses his way and unexpectedly comes to stay at Ellangowan, just as the son of Godfrey Bertram is born. Guy Mannering consults the stars to tell the fortune of the new-born, but as the boy is destined to face much danger in his life, Mannering decides not to alarm the new parents just yet. He seals his predictions in a letter and instructs Betram to open it when the boy is five years old. But even a learned astrologer could not have foreseen how the fates of Guy Mannering and the Bertram family are intertwined.. - Summary by Carolin

29Fair Maid of Perth, Or, St. Valentine's Day

By Sir Walter Scott

Henry Gow has fallen in love with the Fair Maid of Perth, Catherine, the glovemaker's daughter. To make sure that he would be the first person she sees on Valentine's day, he walks to her house at the break of dawn, and arrives - just in time to save her from am attempted kidnapping. Henry acts immediately to save her, but the attackers are not just some ruffians but well-born and well-connected. Henry and Catherine are drawn into the games and intrigues of the nobility, with little choice but to play along.. - Summary by Carolin

30Anne of Geierstein, Volume 1

By Sir Walter Scott

Anne of Geierstein, or The Maiden of the Mist (1829) is a novel by Sir Walter Scott. It is set in Central Europe, mainly in Switzerland, shortly after the Yorkist victory at the Battle of Tewkesbury (1471). It covers the period of Swiss involvement in the Burgundian Wars. (Wikipedia)

31Anne of Geierstein, Volume 2

By Sir Walter Scott

Anne of Geierstein, or The Maiden of the Mist (1829) is an adventure and romance novel by Sir Walter Scott. It is set in Central Europe, mainly in Switzerland, shortly after the Yorkist victory at the Battle of Tewkesbury (1471). It covers the period of Swiss involvement in the Burgundian Wars. ( Wikipedia ) </p>

32Journals of Robert Falcon Scott; Volume 1 of 'Scott's Last Expedition' (Version 2)

By Robert Falcon Scott

Captain Scott’s ill-fated journey to the Antarctic Pole in 1911 is part triumph, part tragedy – but also a mythic adventure story which has inspired books, articles, and films over the generations. As so often in such cases the ‘truth’ of the explorers’ experiences (and there were many important figures in the party besides Scott) is much more rich, varied, and fascinating than the boy scout stereotype. Few know for example how much time during the many months of the journey were spent in scientific researches which remain of huge value to this day. But what comes across most vividly in Scott’s fascinating and finally very moving diary account is the complexity of the man and his closest comrades who reached the Pole fatally too late (the Norwegian Amundsen has beaten them to it by many weeks), then died trekking home, facing tortuous weather conditions, dwindling food supplies, and that gnawing, bitter sense of defeat. Ironically Robert Falcon Scott is now far more famous than Amundsen: his triumph secured by history and by myth. For if Scott was finally an imperfect explorer, he was the perfect author of his own amazing tale. Scott’s account is introduced by Clements R. Markham, president of the Royal Geographical Society at the time of the expedition; and concluded by E.L. Atkinson, a member of Scott’s party and leader of the relief expedition which found the bodies of Scott and his comrades some months after their death in November 1912. - Summary by Steve Gough

33End Of The Day

By Duncan Campbell Scott

LibriVox volunteers bring you 13 recordings of The End Of The Day by Duncan Campbell Scott. This was the Weekly Poetry project for February 23, 2020. <br> ------<br> Duncan Campbell Scott CMG FRSC was a Canadian bureaucrat, poet and prose writer. With Charles G.D. Roberts, Bliss Carman, and Archibald Lampman, he is classed as one of Canada's Confederation Poets. - Summary by Wikipedia

34Night in March

By Duncan Campbell Scott

LibriVox volunteers bring you 8 recordings of A Night in March by Duncan Campbell Scott.<br> This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for March 1, 2020. <br> ------<br> Hopefully this Fortnightly poem will encourage spring to arrive. - Summary by David Lawrence

35Description of Millenium Hall and the Country Adjacent

By Sarah Scott

Utopian novel by Sarah Scott, published in 1762 describes women living in complete harmony. Summary by kathrinee

36Heart of Mid-Lothian

By Sir Walter Scott

An historical novel set in Scotland in 1736, involving a riot and surrounding drama. - Summary by Deon Gines

37Redgauntlet

By Sir Walter Scott

Redgauntlet is an historical novel about a fictitious third Jacobite rebellion. It takes place mostly in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1765. It is thought to be the most autobiographical of Scott's novels. - Summary by Deon Gines

38Surgeon's Daughter

By Sir Walter Scott

The Surgeon's Daughter is an historical novel, originally part of the Chronicles of the Canongate stories, later published on its own, in 1827. - Summary by Deon Gines

Quentin Durward is a historical novel set in the mid-1400's. The main character is a Scottish archer serving French King Louis XI, another main character. - Summary by Deon Gines

40Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft

By Sir Walter Scott

A series of letters written by Scott on the history of witchcraft and other supernatural events in England and other locations. He documents stories and discredits them with natural causes. (Summary by Deon Gines)

41Fortunes of Nigel

By Sir Walter Scott

During the turbulent moment in English history involving King James 1 and 6, Nigel Olifaunt, a Scottish lord, seeks to protect his family home and holdings, but meets with recalcitrance and treachery, which eventually results in his imprisonment. But there are forces of good that help to set him free and right injustices.

42Peveril of the Peak

By Sir Walter Scott

Peveril is one of Scott's Waverley novels series. It is a historical novel set in 1678 in England, and tells a story of the Popish Plot. Peveril is a Cavalier, in love with a Roundhead's daughter, but is accused of involvement with the Popish Plot. - Summary by Deon Gines

The Bride of Triermain es un poema narrativo en tres cantos escrito por Sir Walter Scott, publicado anónimamente en 1813. Situado en Cumberland, narra la historia de un caballero que emprende el rescate de la bella Gyneth, la hija ilegítima del Rey Arturo y la Reina de las Hadas. La bella Gyneth duerme desde hace 500 años en una torre encantada al haber sido hechizada por el mago Merlín. y para despertar deber ser rescatada por un verdadero amor. (Summary by Phileas Fogg)

44Soldier's Diary

By Ralph Scott

This 1923 memoir of a World War I soldier (Royal Engineer and hand-to-hand combatant) is a well written much respected first-hand account of the brutal fighting in the last year of the war. - Summary by David Wales

45Old Mortality

By Sir Walter Scott

Old Mortality is part of the Waverley series by Walter Scott. Set in southwest Scotland in the late 1600s, during the period of the Covenanters, it includes the victory at Loudoun Hill and the defeat at Bothwell Bridge. - Summary by Deon Gines

46Pirate

By Sir Walter Scott

The Pirate is set in the island of Shetland in the late 1600s, and is a historical novel based on the life of John Gow, Captain Cleveland in the novel. - Summary by Deon Gines

Cordelia Marlowe carries a high society name but no fortune. She has to make ends meet, but what kind of work can a young lady do whose main education has been social manners and tennis? Her acts lead her in the courtships of three completely different men, but in the end, fate chooses for her, and Cordelia emerges a changed person. A tale of mystery, blackmail and love, written in just 23 days by Leroy Scott, a reporter familiar with the intrigues and social scandals the public enjoys, as the story was also made into a silent film in 1923. - Summary by Rapunzelina

This rousing collection of poems is sure to bring out patriotic sentiments in us all. These works were written with the glories of victory in mind - victory based on dignity and basic human rights for all. The strident call to arms expressed here can't help but stir the soul and inspire the imagination with thoughts of a vanquished enemy and the triumph of a defender of truth and liberty. <br><br> The concept of hope, as elusive as it may be amid the field of battle, is always an asset when possessed by those in combat. This hope, this aspiration of a brighter future accompanied by a strident call to join the war effort is so aptly portrayed by poet Temple Scott. Here are a series of awe-inspiring songs of the splendor of victory, the anguish of defeat and, ultimately, the appeal to a higher power for guidance - in the words of Scott, "Though tempest-tossed and battle-scarred, we still aspire Thy way to tread". <br> - Summary by Bruce Kachuk

Hosea, whose prophecy we now enter upon, exercised his sacred office for a great many years: he predicted the captivity of the ten Tribes long before it arrived, yet he probably lived to witness its near approach. He is supposed to have been of the kingdom of Israel, though his prophecies frequently relate to Judah also His style is remarkably concise, sententious, and unconnected, though some parts are peculiarly pathetic, animated, and sublime. His general scope was to convince his people of their exceeding sinfulness, and to warn them by the terror, and lead them by the goodness, of God to repentance. - Summary by Introduction

50Magic House, and Other Poems

By Duncan Campbell Scott

A beautiful collection of 47 poems the author wrote being inspired by the seasons, by love, by memories. - Summary by Laur