Ecology and Modern Scottish Literature

Ecology and Modern Scottish Literature explores how Scottish writers have reflected on and contributed to ecological theory and philosophy, from Robert Louis Stevenson to Nan Shepherd and George Mackay Brown. It reveals a heritage of ecological thought that is relevant to Scottish literary culture and green studies, and encourages reflection on the links between literary studies and perspectives from environmental history, anthropology, philosophy, and cultural geography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book offers a thought-provoking and timely exploration of modern Scottish literature through the lens of ecological thought. Louisa Gairn highlights how successive generations of Scottish writers have both engaged with and contributed to the development of international ecological theory and philosophy. Through provocative re-readings of works by authors such as Robert Louis Stevenson, John Muir, Nan Shepherd, John Burnside, Kathleen Jamie, and George Mackay Brown, the book demonstrates the significant impact of ecological thought across the diverse landscape of Scottish literary culture. This book traces the influence of ecology as a scientific, philosophical, and political concept in the works of these and other writers, offering a fresh perspective on Scottish literature from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. In the face of the current environmental crisis, Ecology and Modern Scottish Literature underscores the importance of recognizing the heritage of ecological thought as essential to both Scottish literary culture and the broader field of green studies. Key features of the book include: • Examination of both canonical and lesser-known Scottish writers, including Gaelic poets and mountaineering literature, Robert Louis Stevenson and John Muir, and contemporary authors Kathleen Jamie and John Burnside. • The first book to explore Scottish literature in the light of ecological and green thought. • Engagement with a pressing topical issue and positioning Scottish writing within the broader context of international green approaches to literary studies. • Encouragement of reflection on the connections between literary studies and perspectives from environmental history, anthropology, philosophy, and cultural geography.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399507981