Scottish Writing After Devolution: Edges of the New

This collection of essays explores how literature, theatre, and visual art have shaped and reflected the new Scotland promised by parliamentary devolution, with a focus on leading figures and women's writing. It traces continuities with 1990s debates and the edges of the new visible since Indyref 2014.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

A provisional re-mapping of Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, these fifteen essays delve into the intricate interplay between literature, theatre, and visual art, exploring how they have shaped and reflected the transformative vision of a new Scotland promised by parliamentary devolution. Spanning a wide range of perspectives, the chapters delve into the works of prominent figures such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay, while also paying close attention to the contributions of women writers, including Kate Atkinson, A. L. Kennedy, Denise Mina, Ali Smith, Louise Welsh, and writers of color such as Bashabi Fraser, Annie George, Tendai Huchu, Chin Li, and Raman Mundair. By tracing continuities with the debates of the 1990s alongside the emerging edges brought forth by the 2014 Indyref, these critics offer a comprehensive and nuanced study of Scotland's vibrant literary production during the period of devolution, examining it both within and beyond the framework of national representation.

Introduction:
In the aftermath of Scotland's historic referendum on independence in 2014, the literary landscape of the country underwent a profound transformation. The promise of a new Scotland, characterized by greater autonomy and self-determination, resonated deeply within the nation's creative community, leading to a surge in literary production that reflected the spirit of change. This essay aims to explore the provisional re-mapping of Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, examining how literature, theatre, and visual art have shaped and reflected the evolving identity of the country.

Literature:
The literature of Scotland has always been a rich tapestry of voices and narratives, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage and historical experiences of the country. However, the period of devolution has seen a significant shift in the way that literature is produced and consumed. Writers have responded to the newfound political and social landscape by exploring themes of identity, nationhood, and the complexities of Scottish society.

One of the most notable figures in Scotland's post-devolution literary scene is Alasdair Gray. His novels, such as "Lanark" and "The Master of Ballantrae," have explored the themes of urbanization, social alienation, and the search for meaning in modern life. Gray's writing is characterized by his sharp wit, dark humor, and deep understanding of the human condition, making him a beloved figure in Scottish literature.

Another prominent writer is David Greig, whose plays and novels have tackled issues of political corruption, social inequality, and the impact of globalization on Scottish society. His play "National Theatre of Scotland's "The Humans" received critical acclaim for its exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of living in a technologically advanced world.

Kathleen Jamie, a poet and writer, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary landscape. Her collection of poetry, "The Dark Matter," explores themes of nature, loss, and the human experience, while her novel "The Bone People" explores the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands.

In addition to these established writers, there has been a growing interest in the work of women writers in Scotland. Kate Atkinson, author of the "Jackson Brodie" series, has gained international recognition for her witty and insightful novels that explore the lives of private detectives in Edinburgh. A. L. Kennedy, another notable female writer, has written a series of novels that explore the lives of women in rural Scotland, including "The Best of Friends" and "The Blue Place."

Denise Mina, a writer of crime fiction, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. Her novels, such as "In the Woods" and "The Dead Room," have explored themes of violence, trauma, and the nature of evil. Mina's writing is known for its intricate plotlines and complex characters, making her a popular choice among readers of crime fiction.

Ali Smith, a Booker Prize-winning author, has also written extensively about Scotland. Her novel "The Accidental Tourist" is a humorous and poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in life. Smith's writing is characterized by its sharp wit, emotional depth, and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

Louise Welsh, a writer of literary fiction, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary landscape. Her novel "The Bullet That Missed" is a powerful exploration of the effects of violence on individuals and society, while her novel "The Cutting Room" explores the complexities of the creative process and the relationship between art and politics.

Writers of color have also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. Bashabi Fraser, a poet and writer of Scottish and Nigerian descent, has explored themes of identity, culture, and the politics of belonging. Annie George, a writer of Scottish and Indian descent, has written a series of novels that explore the lives of women in rural Scotland, including "The Stone Circle.

Tendai Huchu, a poet and writer of Zimbabwean descent, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. His collection of poetry, "The Hungry Ghosts," explores themes of migration, displacement, and the search for home. Huchu's writing is characterized by its powerful and evocative language, making him a popular choice among readers of contemporary poetry.

Chin Li, a writer of Chinese descent, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. Her novel "The Water Dancer" is a historical fiction that explores the life of a young woman who becomes a spy for the British Empire in 1800s India. Li's writing is characterized by its rich cultural and historical context, making her a popular choice among readers of historical fiction.

Raman Mundair, a writer of Indian descent, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. His novel "The God of Small Things" is a magical realism that explores the lives of a family in 1970s Kerala, India. Mundair's writing is characterized by its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and its exploration of the complexities of Indian society and culture.

Theatre:
Theatre has also played a significant role in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture. Theatres across the country have been hubs of creativity and expression, providing a platform for artists to explore the complexities of Scottish society and the challenges of living in a rapidly changing world.

One of the most notable theatrical productions in Scotland's post-devolution era is "National Theatre of Scotland's "The Humans." This play, written by David Greig, explores the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of living in a technologically advanced world. The production received critical acclaim for its exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of living in a technologically advanced world.

Another notable theatrical production is "National Theatre of Scotland's "The Weir." This play, written by Irvine Welsh, explores the themes of masculinity, identity, and the complexities of Scottish society. The production received critical acclaim for its exploration of the themes of masculinity, identity, and the complexities of Scottish society.

In addition to these theatrical productions, there has been a growing interest in the work of contemporary playwrights

Visual Art:
Visual art has also played a significant role in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture. Artists have responded to the political and social landscape of the country by creating works that explore themes of identity, nationhood, and the complexities of Scottish society.

One of the most notable visual artists in Scotland's post-devolution era is Alasdair Gray. His paintings, sculptures, and installations have explored themes of urbanization, social alienation, and the search for meaning in modern life. Gray's work is characterized by his bold use of color, abstract forms, and his deep understanding of the human condition.

Another notable visual artist is David Greig. His paintings, sculptures, and installations have explored themes of political corruption, social inequality, and the impact of globalization on Scottish society. Greig's work is characterized by his bold use of color, abstract forms, and his deep understanding of the human condition.

Kathleen Jamie, a poet and writer, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary landscape. Her collection of poetry, "The Dark Matter," explores themes of nature, loss, and the human experience, while her novel "The Bone People" explores the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands.

In addition to these established artists, there has been a growing interest in the work of contemporary visual artists. Kate Atkinson, author of the "Jackson Brodie" series, has gained international recognition for her witty and insightful novels that explore the lives of private detectives in Edinburgh. A. L. Kennedy, another notable female writer, has written a series of novels that explore the lives of women in rural Scotland, including "The Best of Friends" and "The Blue Place."

Denise Mina, a writer of crime fiction, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. Her novels, such as "In the Woods" and "The Dead Room," have explored themes of violence, trauma, and the nature of evil. Mina's writing is known for its intricate plotlines and complex characters, making her a popular choice among readers of crime fiction.

Ali Smith, a Booker Prize-winning author, has also written extensively about Scotland. Her novel "The Accidental Tourist" is a humorous and poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in life. Smith's writing is characterized by its sharp wit, emotional depth, and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

Louise Welsh, a writer of literary fiction, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary landscape. Her novel "The Bullet That Missed" is a powerful exploration of the effects of violence on individuals and society, while her novel "The Cutting Room" explores the complexities of the creative process and the relationship between art and politics.

Writers of color have also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. Bashabi Fraser, a poet and writer of Scottish and Nigerian descent, has explored themes of identity, culture, and the politics of belonging. Annie George, a writer of Scottish and Indian descent, has written a series of novels that explore the lives of women in rural Scotland, including "The Stone.

Tendai Huchu, a poet and writer of Zimbabwean descent, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. His collection of poetry, "The Hungry Ghosts," explores themes of migration, displacement, and the search for home. Huchu's writing is characterized by its powerful and evocative language, making him a popular choice among readers of contemporary poetry.

Chin Li, a writer of Chinese descent, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. Her novel "The Water Dancer" is a historical fiction that explores the life of a young woman who becomes a spy for the British Empire in 1800s India. Li's writing is characterized by its rich cultural and historical context, making her a popular choice among readers of historical fiction.

Raman Mundair, a writer of Indian descent, has also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary scene. His novel "The God of Small Things" is a magical realism that explores the lives of a family in 1970s Kerala, India. Mundair's writing is characterized by its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and its exploration of the complexities of Indian society and culture.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Scotland's post-devolution literary culture has been shaped and reflected by a vibrant and diverse range of voices and narratives. From the works of Alasdair Gray and David Greig to the contributions of women writers, writers of color, and visual artists, Scotland's literary landscape has evolved in response to the political and social changes of the past decade. The provisional re-mapping of Scotland's post-devolution literary culture offers a glimpse into the rich and complex tapestry of Scotland's literary production in the period of devolution, highlighting the ways in which literature, theatre, and visual art have contributed to the shaping of Scotland's identity and the exploration of its complex history and culture. As Scotland continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of its evolving political landscape, it is clear that the literary community will continue to play a vital role in shaping the nation's future.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474486170