The short stories in this volume deal with Scott's favorite themes: the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, historical change, the supernatural, and language. From the stark tragedy of "The Two Drovers" to the chilling and comic portrayal of the supernatural in "Wandering Willie's Tale," these stories provide a natural starting point for those unacquainted with Scott's work as well as those who love his novels.
Scott's short stories have been overshadowed by his novels, yet the title story in this selection has been described as `the first modern short story in English', and R. L. Stevenson considered `The Highland Widow' to be Scott's masterpiece.