The Antiquary is Walter Scott’s gothic historical novel, published in 1816. The book tells the story of several characters, including the antiquary—a self-taught historian, archaeologist, and collector of items of doubtful antiquity. Although the novel is named after him, the antiquary is not always the main character; much more significant events unfold around the other characters. The antiquary serves as a figure who connects the more important characters for the plot and the more exciting incidents he accompanies with his mocking remarks.