Celtic Identity and the British Image

by Murray Pittock

This work explores the idea of the Celt and the definition of the so-called "Celtic Fringe" over the last 300 years. It is an in-depth study of the literary and cultural representation of Ireland, Scotland and Wales over this period, and is based on a wide-ranging grasp of issues of national identity and state formation. The idea of the Celt and Celticism is once again highly fashionable. Is there such a common Celtic heritage? What is the place of the "Celtic Fringe" in British identity? Pittock begins by assessing the term "Celtic" itself, by questioning its validity, going on to examine its historic uses and heroic notions of Scotland's past. The Celtic Revival of the late 19th century is examined in detail together with its impact on Irish nationalism. Pittock asks how far the "Celtic" experience in Britain can be described as a colonial one, and examines the importance of the Celtic languages in preserving a sense of identity. Contemporary issues such as the literary language of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the growth of modern Scottish nationalism are also considered.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Murray G.H. Pittock FRSE is a cultural historian, Bradley Professor of Literature and Pro Vice Principal (Special Projects) at the University of Glasgow.

He was previously Professor of Scottish and Romantic Literature and Deputy Head of Arts at the University of Manchester, the first professor of Scottish Literature at an English university. He has been a visiting fellow at universities worldwide including: New York University (2015), Notre Dame (2014), Charles University, Prague (2010); Trinity College, Dublin (2008); the University of Wales in advanced Welsh and Celtic studies (2002), and Yale (1998, 2000–01).

Reviews

[Brendan McKee]

An excellent introduction to the topic of Celtic identity that draws on much of the literature of nationalism to flesh out and explore Scottish, Irish, and Welsh identity’s relationship to the British state. A must for scholars in the field.