Description
Book SynopsisThis lively and erudite cultural history of Scotland, from the Jacobite defeat of 1745 to the death of an icon, Sir Walter Scott, in 1832, weaves together previously unpublished archival materials, visual and material culture, dress and textile history to examine how Scottish identity was experienced and represented in novel ways.
Trade Review'By focusing on material and visual evidence, Professor Coltman brings fresh and original perspectives to the study of Scottish identity. The perceptive arguments within the book are complemented by an impressive examination of relevant original sources. The result is an important study.' Sir Tom Devine, Professor Emeritus, University of Edinburgh
'Viccy Coltman's book explores the multiple negotiations of Scottish identity with Britain, Europe and the Empire through art and material culture with flair, skill and a wide range of reference. Fresh thoughts and insights are everywhere, from Warren Hastings' visit to Ossian's Hall to the commodification of Paul Sandby. Highly recommended.' Murray Pittock, Bradley Professor of English Literature, University of Glasgow
'Coltman's book is an illuminating and entertaining contribution to the study of Scottish visual culture, opening the ongoing debate about Scottish identity to cosmopolitan and colonial influences, and widening the range of critical perspectives brought to bear upon it.' Nigel Leask, H-Albion
'As a cultural history, Coltman's book is exemplary, informed by considerable new archival material, shuffling her pack of slippery identity concepts with great dexterity, and lightened by flashes of wit throughout.' Robin N. Campbell, Journal of the Scottish Society for Art History
Table of ContentsIntroduction; Part I. Beyond Scotland: 1. Scots in Europe: 'making a figure' – painted portraiture on the Grand Tour; 2. Scots in London: 'the means of bread with applause' – George Steuart's architectural elevation; 3. Scots in Empire: 'good fishing in muddy waters' – Claud Alexander in Calcutta and Catrine; Part II. Within Scotland: 4. The Prince in Scotland: 'daubed with plaid and crammed with treason' – the visual and material culture of embodied insurrection; 5. The Monarch in the metropolis: a scopic spectacle – George IV's visit to Edinburgh, August 1822; 6. Borders Bard: 'the exactness of the resemblance': Sir Walter Scott and the physiognomy of Romanticism; Conclusion: Scott-land.
