And the Land Lay Still

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The Handsel Press was founded in 1976 to publish high quality academic and more popular books relating Christian faith to other fields of study, and to the arts. The Press also publishes a number of biographies and commentaries at an affordable price. … In the White Paper which followed Kilbrandon in September 1974 the language of patrie, heritage and unity is likewise reserved for the defence of the UK state-nation. As the political space in which Robertson’s ‘modernised sense of Scottishness’ will gain institutional form begins to emerge, the prevailing vision of Britishnesss is jarringly antique. Instead of revising British identity alongside its constitutional framework, there is a strong sense of retrenchment as pro-devolution figures seek to dispel fears of diluting UK identity and power. With devolution only politically saleable in England as a buttressing of British unity, sovereignty and greatness – the soothing mantra ‘power devolved is power retained’ is voiced in an unbroken line from Enoch Powell to Tony Blair – the political dynamic which accompanied devolution has probably delayed the development of a post-imperial British culture. One of the more disturbing yet intriguing Scottish books, The Wasp Factory, is a true dark comedy. All kids go through phases. But, are Frank’s bad decisions childlike mistakes or something more? While perhaps best known for his science fiction books, Banks here turns his eye homeward to Scotland.

year-old Joy Stone is a teacher who struggles with the weight of life. She only blames herself for the problems she faces instead of understanding that the traumas she has experienced aren’t her fault. The award-winning epic novel received near-unanimous critical acclaim in the mainstream British press. The novel was enjoyed by everyone in the group - which is no mean feat as there are usually lots of different opinions around the room and few books gain a unanimous accolade! Bold, discursive and deep, Robertson's sweeping history of life and politics in 20th-century Scotland should not be ignored' Ian Rankin, Observer Books of the Year This being said, too fixed attention to the national story can obscure key aspects of devolution, which – as Robertson notes – has as much to do with Britishness as Scottishness. At our first workshop, Catriona Macdonald noted that:In Scotland, as much as in England – I don’t see much difference here – literature has played a very central role in the construction of national identity, and literary texts and writers have here a nationally iconic status that does not necessarily characterise other European contexts. You can have a literature, but in other countries, you’re not necessarily entitled to independence for that, or perhaps you’re not even interested in independence. ( Recording, Workshop 2) As if that isn’t bad enough, further complications ensue. His girlfriend goes missing, he is questioned by the police for an unknown crime, and his attempts at receiving disability compensation are met with the endless red tape of bureaucracy. This version of Craig’s essay is yet to be published; he kindly sent me a draft in the summer of 2014. The main thrust of his argument is repeated in the shorter piece Craig 2014a. [ A groundbreaking novel in an unexpected format, Ali Smith’s How to be Both comes in two parts to allow you to choose how you read this novel about art’s versatility. Our story today, then, is about our stories: their history and future, influences and influence. We cast the spotlight not only on Scotland’s tales but on their tellers – the folklorists and the fabulists, short story writers and the seanachaidhean – those who have delicately spun their colourful yarns from the threads that connect us all.

This is easily one of the most impactful and important queer Scottish books in years, by a powerful voice amongst transgender authors.The story follows Astrid, who recently returned home from art school on Mars, and Darling, who is fleeing another life and searching for a place to hide. Robertson, of course, cleverly has some of these stories crossing one another, with people bumping into each other and then not meeting again for many years, or meeting in ways you might not suspect. But, while their individual stories are certainly interesting and do show up the complicated nature of politics in Scotland, we are asked to sympathise with a variety of disparate characters and, inevitably, the most interesting ones tend to be the less than pleasant ones, namely the violent thug and the foot fetish Tory. Did Robertson intend this? I suspect not, though this may just be my perverse nature and other readers may come to love the characters Robertson wants us to love. Nevertheless, it is fascinating account of Scottish history in the second half of the twentieth century, even if not entirely successful. Publishing history

Toweringly ambitious, virtually flawlessly realized, a masterpiece and, without a doubt, my book of the year ( Daily Mail) The questions that In Ascension poses, and the incredibly discoveries made, ask the reader to deeply consider that old cliche: we are all made of star stuff.

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Hex can be read in a single sitting, and in that time it will take you on a journey through time; teach you about the plight and pain of womankind over centuries. Irvine Welsh enjoys a sweeping look through a Scottish lens at a turbulent era". The Guardian. UK. 24 July 2010 . Retrieved 1 July 2011.