The Black Dwarf Introduction to The Black Dwarf

In which the curious and isolated figure of David Ritchie, a deformed and misanthropic man of the Scottish border, is portrayed with sympathetic attention to his solitary life, peculiar habits, and the rugged natural world he cherished. The author reflects on the real-life inspiration for this character, offering an insight into the strange blend of human frailty and fierce pride that set the tone for the tale soon to be told.