Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents a provocative and timely reconsideration of modern Scottish literature in the light of ecological thought. Louisa Gairn demonstrates how successive generations of Scottish writers have both reflected on and contributed to the development of international ecological theory and philosophy. Provocative re-readings of works by authors including Robert Louis Stevenson, John Muir, Nan Shepherd, John Burnside, Kathleen Jamie and George Mackay Brown demonstrate the significance of ecological thought across the spectrum of Scottish literary culture. This book traces the influence of ecology as a scientific, philosophical and political concept in the work of these and other writers and in doing so presents an original outlook on Scottish literature from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.
Trade ReviewThis is the first book-length study of one of the great themes in modern Scottish writing. Lucid, sophisticated and internationally-minded, it is a landmark work. Robert Crawford, University of St Andrews -- Robert Crawford This is an important and lively book for UK ecocriticism on the international stage, announcing a new generation of culturally rooted ecocritics. -- Terry Gifford Green Letters Review Blog Gairn's survey of ecological thought in the Scottish literary tradition is detailed and engagingly written. Forum for Modern Language Studies This text is an invaluable addition to inquiries into the value and significance of dwelling for Scottish writers since the mid-nineteenth century. -- Tom Bristow Scottish Literary Review This is the first book-length study of one of the great themes in modern Scottish writing. Lucid, sophisticated and internationally-minded, it is a landmark work. Robert Crawford, University of St Andrews This is an important and lively book for UK ecocriticism on the international stage, announcing a new generation of culturally rooted ecocritics. Gairn's survey of ecological thought in the Scottish literary tradition is detailed and engagingly written. This text is an invaluable addition to inquiries into the value and significance of dwelling for Scottish writers since the mid-nineteenth century.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; List of Figures; Introduction: Re-mapping Modern Scottish Literature; 1. Feelings for Nature in Victorian Scotland; 2. Strange Lands; 3. Local and Global Outlooks; 4. Dear Green Places; 5. Lines of Defence; Index.
