The Invention of Scotland: The Stuart Myth and the Scottish Identity, 1638 to the Present

A dynasty of high ability and great charm, the Stuarts exerted a compelling fascination over their supporters and enemies alike. First published in 1991, this title assesses the influence of the Stuart mystique on the modern political and cultural identity of Scotland. Murray Pittock traces the Stuart myth from the days of Charles I to the modern Scottish National Party, and discusses both pro- and anti-Union propaganda. He provides a unique insight into the ‘radicalism’ of Scottish Jacobitism, contrasting this ‘Jacobitisim of the Left’ with the sentimental image constructed by the Victorians. Dealing with a subject of great relevance to modern British society, this reissue provides an extensive analysis of Scottish nationhood, the Stuart cult and Jacobite ideology. It will be of great interest to students of literature, history, and Scottish culture and politics.

Reviews of The Invention of Scotland: The Stuart Myth and the Scottish Identity, 1638 to the Present

'Possibly the most interesting book I have ever read on what it means to be Scottish'- TopicalBooks (Spring ,1992) 'I am pleased to see a Scottish critic of my own generation who writes so well and has such vision…purposeful, ambitious, panoptic' – Robert Crawford, Scottish Literary Journal. . 'Attractive…well written and stimulating book'- Ian Bradley, History Today, September, 50-1. 'One of the most important books on modern Scotland to appear in recent years'- Stewart Brown, Albion. . 'An interesting and in many ways a courageous book'- Brean Hammond, British Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies 15:2,235. 'An insightful view…successfully bridges the gap between the discipline of history and literary/cultural studies, a feat requiring unusual academic skills' – David Duncan. 'A valuable lesson on the ways in which all national identities are in some sense invented'- Leith Davis, Eighteenth Century Scotland, 25 (1993). 'Interesting,intelligent and knowledgeable' – Seventeenth-Century News 'The most provocative work of this year…as intriguing as it is important' – Jill Rubinstein, Year's Work inn Scottish Literature (1991/2).