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

by Murray Pittock

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.

Genres: Scotland

198 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

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

[océane (desbouquinsdanslamain)]

I never rate the books I read for my research dissertation, but honestly, it honestly deserves a 5-star rating. Murray Pittock is such an amazing historian! If you're really interested in the Jacobite movement in Scotland, you should definitely check out his books.