From Tartan to Tartanry: Scottish Culture, History and Myth

'An intriguing and international collection which is long overdue. From the Picts to punk rock, this is warm stuff of diverse colours.' Emeritus Professor Ted Cowan'This timely collection of intelligent and often entertaining essays by a fine group of thinkers seeks to exorcise Scotland's national insecurity over tartan and make Scots more comfortable not just with the plaid, but also with themselves.' Michael Russell MSPThis critical re-evaluation of tartan in Scottish culture draws together contributions from leading researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, resulting in a highly authoritative volume.Like tartan, it weaves together two strands. The first, like a warp, considers the significance of tartan in Scottish history and culture during the last four centuries, including tartan's role in the development of diaspora identities in North America. The second, like a weft, considers the place of tartan and rise of tartanry in the national and international representations of Scottishness: a weave of heritage, myth, music hall, literature, film, comedy, pop music, sport and 'high' culture.From Tartan to Tartanry offers fresh insight into and new perspectives on key cultural phenomena, from the iconic role of the Scottish regiments to the role of tartan in rock music. It argues that tartan may be fun, but can also take on fascinating and valuable roles in Scottish and international culture.Ian Brown is a playwright, poet, Professor in Drama at Kingston University and currently visiting professor at the University of Glasgow and the University of Glamorgan. He publishes on theatrical, literary and cultural topics and is General Editor of The Edinburgh History of Scottish Literature and joint series editor of The Edinburgh Companions to Scottish Literature.