By the time of its appearance, comment on the earlier volumes was being received by Lockhart - who takes the opportunity in a preface to respond to the criticism and defend his strategy of exploring Scott's life and character is great detail. 'I conceive it to be probable that [ - ] the student of history, and especially of manners, would not be sorry to have access to him "in his habit as he lived".' The account opens in late 1826 with the 55-year-old Scott feeling his age and resenting time not spent writing. Yet, despite increasing ill-health, the years that follow contain a full and now familiar mix of publishing, professional and political life, correspondence, excursions in Britain and Europe, and reflections on the events of the day. The story of Scott's last journey back to Abbotsford is followed by Lockhart's Conclusion, A List of Publications and and Index of Names (covering all volumes).