The Invention of Scotland: Myth and History - Softcover

Hugh Trevor-Roper

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300158297 ISBN 13: 9780300158298

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2009

Synopsis

This book argues that while Anglo-Saxon culture has given rise to virtually no myths at all, myth has played a central role in the historical development of Scottish identity. Trevor-Roper explores three myths across 400 years of Scottish history: the political myth of the 'ancient constitution' of Scotland; the literary myth, including Walter Scott as well as Ossian and ancient poetry; and, the sartorial myth of tartan and the kilt, invented - ironically by Englishmen - in quite modern times. Trevor-Roper reveals myth to be an often deliberate cultural construction used to enshrine a people's identity. While his treatment of Scottish myth is highly critical, indeed debunking, he shows how the ritualisation and domestication of Scotland's myths as local colour diverted the Scottish intelligentsia from the path that led German intellectuals to a dangerous myth of racial supremacy. This compelling script was left unpublished on Trevor-Roper's death in 2003 and is now made available for the first time. Written with characteristic elegance, lucidity and wit, and containing defiant and challenging opinions, it will absorb and provoke Scottish readers and intrigue many others.

About this title

Review:

'Posthumously fulfilling the author's wishes, this iconoclastic work, intended to counter devolution moves by the Callaghan government, will delight all who are allergic to sentimental nationalism. . .A splendidly engaging bit of mischief.'--Christopher Hirst, The Independent-- (08/09/2014)

Book Description:

'Trevor-Roper is generous in his admiration for a Celtic culture capable of discovering and developing itself by devising its own identity.'

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0300158297
• ISBN 13: 9780300158298
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304