MacPherson the Historian: History Writing, Empire and Enlightenment in the Works of James MacPherson

Macpherson the Historian examines James Macpherson's published works, from poetry to prose histories, and his later political writing, exploring his engagement with Enlightenment theories of history and his subject of the past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This is the first book-length study of James Macpherson (1736-1796) that considers him as an historian. From his early poetry to the Ossianic Collections, his prose histories, and his later political writing, Macpherson's subject was the past, and he engaged with the latest Enlightenment theories about how to write history. Macpherson the Historian examines James published works, from the neoclassical verse of The Highlander (1758) to his pamphlets defending the British imperial state during the late 1770s. In all of these texts, Macpherson wrote as an Enlightenment historian, where ideas about narrative, philosophy, and erudition were interwoven with eighteenth-century debates about the Highlands, commercial modernity, and the British Empire.

Macpherson's early poetry, such as "The Highlander" (1758), was influenced by the neoclassical verse of the time, which emphasized simplicity, clarity, and elegance. However, Macpherson's later works, particularly the Ossianic Collections, were more complex and ambitious. These collections, which were published between 1760 and 1763, claimed to be translations of ancient Gaelic poems that had been discovered in the Highlands of Scotland. Macpherson's prose histories, such as "The History of Great Britain" (1762) and "The History of the United States" (1776), were also influenced by the Enlightenment. They emphasized the importance of historical evidence, rational analysis, and the development of a scientific approach to history.

Macpherson's later political writing, such as his pamphlets defending the British imperial state during the late 1770s, was also influenced by the Enlightenment. He argued that the British Empire was a benevolent force that had brought prosperity and civilization to the world. He also criticized the French Revolution and the American Revolution, which he saw as threats to the stability of the British Empire.

Macpherson's historical writing was controversial, and he was criticized for his lack of historical accuracy. Many of his claims about the Gaelic poems and the Highlanders were later proven to be false. However, Macpherson's work had a significant impact on the development of historical writing in the eighteenth century. He helped to establish the idea that history could be a scientific discipline and that it could be used to promote social and political change.

Despite his controversies, Macpherson's work continues to be studied and debated today. His historical writing has been praised for its vivid descriptions of the past and its ability to engage with contemporary issues. However, it has also been criticized for its reliance on myth and legend and for its lack of attention to the experiences of marginalized groups.

In conclusion, this is the first book-length study of James Macpherson that considers him as an historian. From his early poetry to his prose histories and his later political writing, Macpherson's subject was the past, and he engaged with the latest Enlightenment theories about how to write history. Macpherson's historical writing was controversial, but it had a significant impact on the development of historical writing in the eighteenth century. While his work continues to be studied and debated today, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and to recognize its limitations.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474411165