The invention of Scotland, myth and history, Hugh Trevor-Roper
Type
Classification
1
Subject
5
Mapped to
1
Label
The invention of Scotland, myth and history, Hugh Trevor-Roper
Language
eng
Bibliography note
Includes bibliographical references (p. [237]-267) and index
Illustrations
platesillustrations
Index
index present
Literary form
non fiction
Main title
The invention of Scotland
Nature of contents
bibliography
Oclc number
226116041
Responsibility statement
Hugh Trevor-Roper
Review
"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 as 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 This compelling script was left unpublished on Trevor-Roper's death in 2003 and is now made available for the first time."--BOOK JACKET
Sub title
myth and history
Table of contents
The political myth. Scotia's rise to glory? -- George Buchanan -- Buchanan's nemesis -- The literary myth. The search for a Celtic Homer -- James Macpherson and Fingal -- The controversy over Ossian -- The sartorial myth. The coming of the kilt -- The tartan
Incoming Resources
- Has instance1