Independence of the Scottish Mind - by G Hassan (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This study explores modern Scotland AND examines how Scottish politics, culture and identities have interacted within the national and international contexts in the last thirty years. It considers which voices and opinions have proven influential and defining, and charts the boundaries of public conversation to and beyond the independence referendum. This book locates contemporary debates on Scottish self-government in an analysis of the long term historic development of Scottish autonomy and difference. Based on extensive interviews with leading members of the Scottish political commentariat, it applies the idea of 'elite narratives' to articulate how ideas and debate can slowly shift and frame public opinion. It draws on ideas of the construction of the near-past, folklore, collective memories, power, voice and space, to bring together an original contribution to politics, media and the dynamics of public debate"--

Book Synopsis

This study explores modern Scotland and examines how Scottish politics, culture and identities have interacted within the national and international contexts in the last thirty years. It considers which voices and opinions have proven influential and defining and charts the boundaries of public conversation to and beyond the independence referendum

Review Quotes

'This is an extraordinarily important and ambitious book for a historic moment in British history. Fearmongering aside, few are addressing the deeper issues. Gerry Hassan is the leading exception. He has been arguing regularly that much deeper and more interesting forces are at work. His analysis of them in this book will stand as an exemplary exploration for all those interested in their own national questions and the nature of 'self-determination' in the era of 'globalisation', wherever they may be.'

Anthony Barnett, founder Director, Charter 88 and co-founder, Open Democracy

'Gerry Hassan is an original thinker, myth-slayer and scholar with a healthy disregard for disciplinary boundaries who brings each of these facets to this highly original and challenging book. The book covers a subject that is familiar but in unfamiliar and challenging ways. It will make uncomfortable reading for some and challenge assumptions of many more. It is refreshing and necessary.'

Prof. James Mitchell, Department of Politics, University of Edinburgh, UK

'This is one of the subtlest and most deeply-researched accounts of the Scottish public intellectual in the modern era. Gerry Hassan's reputation speaks for itself to anyone even tangentially interested in the field, and he has established himself as a leading commentator on Scottish affairs over a number of years.'

Prof. Michael Gardiner, Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies, University of Warwick, UK

About the Author

Dr. Gerry Hassan is a research fellow in the School of Creative and Cultural Studies at the University of the West of Scotland. He is author of Caledonian Dreaming: The Quest for a Different Scotland, co-author of The Strange Death of Labour Scotland and a regular commentator in UK and international media.