"Sir Walter, with his 61 years of life, although he never wrote a novel until he was over 40, had, fortunately for the world, a longer working career than most of his brethren"

This quote from Arthur Conan Doyle reviews the life and profession of Sir Walter Scott, a prominent Scottish historic novelist, poet, and playwright. It highlights 2 key elements of Scott's life: his fairly late start in novel writing and his long, prolific profession.

The reference of "61 years of life" immediately establishes the limited span of time Scott had, that makes his achievements particularly exceptional. Despite beginning his novel-writing career "over 40", Scott achieved significant literary success. This detail challenges typical understandings that creative or professional endeavors should begin early in life to be successful. It acts as a motivation, suggesting that skill and enthusiasm can thrive at any age. Scott's capability to start a successful career later in life demonstrates that perseverance and devotion are vital, perhaps more so than an early start.

Doyle notes that Scott "never wrote an unique until he was over 40", stressing the point that success does not always follow a conventional timeline. Scott's early life was rooted in law and poetry, and yet, his pivot to novels in his forties led him to become a fundamental figure in the category of historical fiction.

The phrase "fortunately for the world" implies that Scott's work was of great cultural and literary value, improving the world with his stories and contributions to literature. His longer career permitted a higher output of work that formed literary customs and inspired future generations of authors, including Doyle himself.

Finally, Doyle juxtaposes Scott's extended working life with that of his "brethren", highlighting the frequently unpredictable and short-lived nature of literary careers. Scott's ability to maintain performance and imagination well into his later years was extraordinary and a present to the literary world. Overall, the quote celebrates Scott's legacy, emphasizing the enduring effect of his postponed yet illustrious contributions to literature.