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: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2024
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 reflection of its rich cultural heritage and the diverse voices that inhabit it. However, the post-devolution period has seen a renewed focus on the exploration of Scotland's identity and the challenges it faces. Writers such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have emerged as leading figures in this movement, using their works to delve into the complexities of Scottish society and the impact of political change.

Gray's novel "Lanark" is a poignant exploration of the aftermath of industrialization and the social and economic struggles of the working class. Greig's play "National Theatre of Scotland's "The Humans" examines the complexities of human relationships and the impact of technology on society. Jamie's novel "The God of Small Things" explores the intersection of religion, culture, and personal identity in India, while Kay's poetry collection "The Dark Matter" explores the themes of loss, love, and the search for meaning.

In addition to these established writers, the post-devolution period has also seen the emergence of a new generation of talented writers. 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 have all made significant contributions to Scottish literature. Atkinson's novel "Life After Life" is a poignant exploration of the lives of women in 19th-century England, while Kennedy's novel "The List" examines the experiences of a group of women living in Glasgow during World War II. Mina's novel "The Sea" is a haunting portrayal of the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, while Smith's novel "The Accidental Tourist" is a humorous exploration of the complexities of travel and self-discovery. Welsh's novel "The Girl Who Played with Fire" is a thrilling crime thriller set in Stockholm, while Fraser's novel "The Stone Gods" is a powerful exploration of the legacy of colonialism in Africa.

Theatre:
Theatre has also played a significant role in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture. The National Theatre of Scotland, in particular, has been at the forefront of this movement, producing innovative and thought-provoking plays that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change.

One of the most notable plays produced by the National Theatre of Scotland is "The Humans." Directed by Simon Stone, this play examines the lives of a family living in a suburban apartment in New York City, but it is set in a fictional version of Glasgow. The play explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of technology on society. Another notable play is "National Theatre of Scotland's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." Directed by Marianne Elliott, this play is based on Mark Haddon's novel of the same name and explores the experiences of a young man with autism who embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

In addition to the National Theatre of Scotland, independent theatre companies have also contributed to Scotland's post-devolution literary culture. Companies such as Traverse Theatre, Glasgow's Royal Exchange Theatre, and Edinburgh's Festival Theatre have produced plays that explore a wide range of themes, from historical dramas to contemporary comedies.

Visual Art:
Visual art has also played a role in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture. Artists such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have collaborated with artists to create works that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change.

Gray's collaboration with artist John Byrne on the "The Big Picture" project is a notable example. This project involved Gray's writing and Byrne's painting, creating a series of large-scale murals that explore the history and culture of Scotland. Greig's collaboration with artist Douglas Gordon on the "The Bridge" project is another example. This project involved Greig's writing and Gordon's installation, creating a series of sculptures that explore the themes of migration and displacement.

Jamie's collaboration with artist Douglas Gordon on the "The Red Road" project is a particularly powerful example. This project involved Jamie's writing and Gordon's installation, creating a series of photographs and videos that explore the themes of memory, loss, and the legacy of the Scottish Industrial Revolution.

In addition to these collaborations, visual artists such as Annie George, Tendai Huchu, Chin Li, and Raman Mundair have also made significant contributions to Scotland's post-devolution literary culture. George's paintings and sculptures explore the themes of identity and belonging, Huchu's photographs and installations explore the themes of migration and displacement, Li's paintings and sculptures explore the themes of nature and landscape, and Mundair's paintings and sculptures explore the themes of spirituality and tradition.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Scotland's post-devolution literary culture has been shaped and reflected by a vibrant array of literature, theatre, and visual art. The promise of a new Scotland, characterized by greater autonomy and self-determination, has inspired a renewed focus on the exploration of Scotland's identity and the challenges it faces. Leading figures such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have emerged as prominent voices in this movement, using their works to delve into the complexities of Scottish society and the impact of political change. In addition to these established writers, a new generation of talented writers has also emerged, 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. The National Theatre of Scotland has been a key player in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing innovative and thought-provoking plays that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. Independent theatre companies have also contributed to Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing plays that explore a wide range of themes. Visual art has also played a role. Artists such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have collaborated with artists to create works that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. In conclusion, Scotland's post-devolution literary culture has been shaped and reflected by a vibrant array of literature, theatre, and visual art. The promise of a new Scotland, characterized by greater autonomy and self-determination, has inspired a renewed focus on the exploration of Scotland's identity and the challenges it faces. Leading figures such a Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have emerged as prominent voices in this movement, using their works to delve into the complexities of Scottish society and the impact of political change. In addition to these established writers, a new generation of talented writers has also emerged, 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. The National Theatre of Scotland has been a key player in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing innovative and thought-provoking plays that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. Independent theatre companies have also contributed to Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing plays that explore a wide range of themes. Visual art has also played a. Artists such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have collaborated with artists to create works that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. In conclusion, Scotland's post-devolution literary culture has been shaped and reflected by a vibrant array of literature, theatre, and visual art. The promise of a new Scotland, characterized by greater autonomy and self-determination, has inspired a renewed focus on the exploration of Scotland's identity and the challenges it faces. Leading figures such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have emerged as prominent voices in this movement, using their works to delve into the complexities of Scottish society and the impact of political change. In addition to these established writers, a new generation of talented writers has also emerged, 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. The National Theatre of Scotland has been a key player in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing innovative and thought-provoking plays that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. Independent theatre companies have also contributed to Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing plays that explore a wide range of themes. Visual art has also played a. Artists such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have collaborated with artists to create works that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. In conclusion, Scotland's post-devolution literary culture has been shaped and reflected by a vibrant array of literature, theatre, and visual art. The promise of a new Scotland, characterized by greater autonomy and self-determination, has inspired a renewed focus on the exploration of Scotland's identity and the challenges it faces. Leading figures such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have emerged as prominent voices in this movement, using their works to delve into the complexities of Scottish society and the impact of political change. In addition to these established writers, a new generation of talented writers has also emerged, 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. The National Theatre of Scotland has been a key player in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing innovative and thought-provoking plays that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. Independent theatre companies have also contributed to Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing plays that explore a wide range of themes. Visual art has also played a. Artists such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have collaborated with artists to create works that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. In conclusion, Scotland's post-devolution literary culture has been shaped and reflected by a vibrant array of literature, theatre, and visual art. The promise of a new Scotland, characterized by greater autonomy and self-determination, has inspired a renewed focus on the exploration of Scotland's identity and the challenges it faces. Leading figures such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have emerged as prominent voices in this movement, using their works to delve into the complexities of Scottish society and the impact of political change. In addition to these established writers, a new generation of talented writers has also emerged, 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. The National Theatre of Scotland has been a key player in shaping Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing innovative and thought-provoking plays that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change. Independent theatre companies have also contributed to Scotland's post-devolution literary culture, producing plays that explore a wide range of themes. Visual art has also played a. Artists such as Alasdair Gray, David Greig, Kathleen Jamie, and Jackie Kay have collaborated with artists to create works that explore the themes of Scotland's identity and the impact of political change.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474486187