# Old Edinburgh — Travel Essays character guide

> Old Edinburgh in Travel Essays by Robert Louis Stevenson.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Edinburgh

**First appearance:** 0027-edinburgh

## Who they are

The personified city of Edinburgh in the descriptive essays.

## In the story

### [Edinburgh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/edinburgh)

The city itself is personified as a character, embodying the historical and architectural spirit of the chapter.

### [Introductory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/i-introductory)

The city itself is personified as a character, described as 'half alive and half a monumental marble,' with a rich and turbulent history.

### [II: Old Town—The Lands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/ii-old-town-the-lands)

The Old Town itself is personified as a character, described as the 'liver-wing' of Edinburgh, with a grim, sooty aspect and a fallen social status.

### [The Parliament Close](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/iii-the-parliament-close)

The chapter describes the vanished Krames, Luckenbooths, and the ancient burying-ground, evoking the character of the historic city.

### [Legends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/iv-legends)

The city itself is personified as a character, with its dark passages, tall lands, and superstitious citizens.

### [Greyfriars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/v-greyfriars)

The city of Edinburgh is described in its layout and views from Greyfriars.

### [New Town—Town and Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/vi-new-town-town-and-country)

The Old Town is contrasted with the New Town, praised for its antique character and picturesque qualities.

### [VII: The Villa Quarters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/vii-the-villa-quarters)

The city of Edinburgh is discussed as a character, with its New Town and villa architecture being critiqued.

### [VIII: The Calton Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/viii-the-calton-hill)

The city itself is personified as a character, with its lights and layout described in detail.

### [Winter and New Year](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/ix-winter-and-new-year)

The city itself is a central character, described in its winter gloom and festive cheer.

### [X: To the Pentland Hills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/x-to-the-pentland-hills)

The city is personified and described as sending abroad an influence and portrait of herself, with emigrants carrying memories of her sights.

### [IV: The Scot Abroad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/iv-the-scot-abroad)

Personified as 'Auld Reekie,' the beloved city whose streetlamps are cherished above all stars.

### [The Coast of Fife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/the-coast-of-fife)

The author's native town, from which he departed for school, and which is viewed with nostalgic sorrow.

### [A Winter’s Walk in Carrick and Galloway](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/a-winter-s-walk-in-carrick-and-galloway)

The narrator reflects on the Scottish character and the town of Maybole, evoking a sense of decay and tradition.

### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations)

Depicted in multiple illustrations of streets, closes, and landmarks.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/characters/old_edinburgh
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/characters