Auld Greekie: Edinburgh as The Athens of the North

During the years 1810 to 1840, Edinburgh transformed itself from "Auld Reekie" to "Modern Athens," a phrase that concealed nuanced meanings. This book examines the circumstances underlying this transformation, looking at the "when, who, why, how, and with what consequences" of this change. The evidence includes topographical, artistic, architectural, social, cerebral, and philosophical dimensions, suggesting that Edinburgh may have been a hybrid of "Auld Greekie" for a brief period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Fonthill Media Ltd

Between approximately 1810 and 1840, Edinburgh, affectionately referred to as 'Auld Reekie,' underwent a remarkable transformation. It began to perceive itself as something entirely different—a modern Athens, a title that later became known as 'the Athens of the North.' This phrase gained widespread recognition and was frequently employed by individuals who lacked a deeper understanding of the intricate and often conflicting messages concealed within the seemingly convenient and trite term. This book delves into the underlying circumstances that led to this extraordinary shift in perception of a place and an era. It examines in detail the 'when,' 'by whom,' 'why,' 'how,' and 'with what consequences' of this intricate transformation of one city into an image—physical or spiritual, or both. The story encompasses a wide range of evidence, spanning topographical, artistic, architectural, social, cerebral, and philosophical dimensions. While Edinburgh may have been perceived as 'Athenian,' its essence remained unchanged. Perhaps, for a brief period, it embodied a unique blend of 'Auld Greekie.'

Weight: 721g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781558928