Remaps the state of Scottish writing in the contemporary moment, embracing its uncertainty and the need to reconsider the fieldβs founding assumptions and exclusions
- Attends to the dynamic interplay between contemporary Scottish literature, politics and the arts
- Captures the range and diversity of Scottish writing since 1999
- Revisits the critical paradigms of Scottish cultural studies in light of ongoing political developments
- Promotes a wide range of theoretical perspectives (from ecocriticism to queer theory and linguistics), and dialogue between scholars and creative writers (Harry Josephine Giles, Rodge Glass, Kevin MacNeil)
- Adds an internationalised perspective to the expanding field of Scottish literary studies
A provisional re-mapping of Scotlandβs post-devolution literary culture, these fifteen essays explore how literature, theatre and visual art have both shaped and reflected the βnew Scotlandβ promised by parliamentary devolution. Chapters explore leading figures such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie and Jackie Kay, while also paying particular attention to womenβs writing by Kate Atkinson, A.L. Kennedy, Denise Mina, Ali Smith, Louise Welsh, and writers of colour such Bashabi Fraser, Annie George, Tendai Huchu, Chin Li and Raman Mundair. Tracing continuities with 1990s debates alongside βedges of the newβ visible since Indyref 2014, these critics offer an in-depth study of Scotlandβs vibrant literary production in the period of devolution, viewed both within and beyond the frame of national representation.
