Robert Burns and Scottish Cultural Politics: The Bard of Contention (1914-2014)

This book explores the controversial political legacy of Robert Burns, Scotland's National Bard, through the lens of his ambiguous verse. It examines how revolutionaries, nationalists, and avant-garde writers have co-opted Burns's myth to subvert Scotland's social and constitutional order, from Great War unionism to 1940s socialism and contemporary nationalism. It reminds us that poetry is a shifting ground on which to build a national identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Robert Burns, the esteemed Scottish poet, holds a unique position in the annals of literary history, renowned for his profound influence and widespread acclaim. However, his political legacy is a subject that sparks intense debate and differing interpretations. Burns' enigmatic verse, oscillating between patriotic odes, egalitarian lines, and royalist songs, invites a wide range of political interpretations, spanning across the political spectrum. In this captivating book, we delve into the intricate tapestry of Burns' contested legacy, exploring how his image underwent transformative shifts throughout the late modern era. Revolutionaries, nationalists, and avant-garde writers co-opted Burns' myth to challenge and subvert the social and constitutional order of their respective countries. From the fervor of Great War unionism to the ideologies of 1940s socialism and contemporary nationalism, the examination of Burns' tempestuous afterlives sheds light on the enduring Scottish question. This book serves as a poignant reminder that poetry, as a dynamic and ever-evolving art form, holds the potential to shape and redefine national identities. Through its meticulous exploration, it invites us to reevaluate the role of poetry in constructing and shaping the narratives that define our nations.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 161 x 240 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399503457