Final answer:
Sir Walter Scott invented the historical novel genre, with works like 'Rob Roy' and 'Ivanhoe' that blend historical settings with fictional narratives to create a sense of authenticity and national identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sir Walter Scott is widely credited with inventing the historical novel genre. Reading stories set during significant historical periods, featuring national heroes and grand adventures, sparked a sense of national pride and the urge for independence. This trend for historical narratives emerged during the Romantic Period and correlated with growing national identities, especially in Europe. Sir Walter Scott's renowned works, such as Rob Roy and Ivanhoe, embody this genre, providing not only a compelling narrative but also an educative window into the past, influencing the perception and consciousness of the era.
Historical novels like those written by Sir Walter Scott offer readers a sense of authenticity and a connection to the past, which can enhance both national identity and individual understanding of historical events. This genre essentially combines factual historical settings with fictional characters and plots, blending entertainment with education in a format that can inspire and inform readers.