Celtic Identity and the British Image - Softcover

Pittock, Murray

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719058260 ISBN 13: 9780719058264

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 1999

Synopsis

This work explores the idea of the Celt and the definition of the so-called "Celtic Fringe" over the last 300 years. It is an in-depth study of the literary and cultural representation of Ireland, Scotland and Wales over this period, and is based on a wide-ranging grasp of issues of national identity and state formation. The idea of the Celt and Celticism is once again highly fashionable. Is there such a common Celtic heritage? What is the place of the "Celtic Fringe" in British identity? Pittock begins by assessing the term "Celtic" itself, by questioning its validity, going on to examine its historic uses and heroic notions of Scotland's past. The Celtic Revival of the late 19th century is examined in detail together with its impact on Irish nationalism. Pittock asks how far the "Celtic" experience in Britain can be described as a colonial one, and examines the importance of the Celtic languages in preserving a sense of identity. Contemporary issues such as the literary language of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the growth of modern Scottish nationalism are also considered.

About this title

About the Author:

Murray G.H. Pittock is Professor of Literature at the University of Strathclyde.

About this edition

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0719058260
• ISBN 13: 9780719058264
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192