James MacPherson, Editor of The Ossianic Poetry

Culture

Literature

Poetry

Prose

Publishing

Gaelic writing dates back to the Lordship of the Isles (c.1200-1493) and, even before, to the work of monks at Iona. Gaelic prose did not develop fully until the written word became more widely available through the introduction of the Gaelic Bible. Highland-based literature in English is much more recent. Indeed Highland literature, both prose and poetry of the highest quality in both Gaelic and English, has flourished in 20th century.

Early Gaelic Poetry
The oral bardic tradition led to the development of a sizeable body of poetic work in Gaelic. The earliest works are compilations of bardic pieces, including 'The Book of the Dean of Lismore' and the 'Fernaig Manuscript'. The first mentioned was compiled between 1512 and 1526, chiefly by Sir James MacGregor, the Dean of Lismore, and his brother Duncan ; the second was compiled by the clan chief Duncan Macrae of Lochalsh, c.1690.

Iain Lom, Alexander Macdonald, Duncan Ban Macintyre and Mary MacPherson are among the poets of the 17th and 18th centuries. Gaelic poets of more recent times include Sorley MacLean, Aonghas MacNeacail and Myles Campbell.

Gaelic Prose
Gaelic prose developed slowly. The Rev. Norman MacLeod edited the first Gaelic periodicals - 'An Teachdaire Gaelach' (1829-31) and 'Cuairtear nan Gleann' (1840-43) devoted to publishing prose and verse. Many would find Macleod's prose staid and dull today. The same cannot be said of 20th century Gaelic prose. Ian Crichton Smith, Iain Murray, Derick Thomson and Eilidh Watt have in recent years greatly expanded its output and quality.

Highland literature in English
Sir Walter Scott popularised the Highlands through several of his novels, probably as a result of reading James MacPherson's epic 'Ossian'. Macpherson's epic (published in 1760 and translated into German by Goethe) was read by Napoleon and praised by Blake, Byron and Walter Scott. Mendelssohn, Schubert and Brahms composed music based on it.

Amongst the most widely read 20th century prose writers associated with the Highlands are Neil Gunn, Neil Munro, Compton MacKenzie, Norman MacCaig and Michael Faber.

Highland life through literature
Much Highland literature in English focuses on life in the Highlands. Examples include Alasdair MacLean's 'Night falls on Ardnamurchan', a look at croft life. Lorn Macintyre's 'Tobermory Days', provide snapshots of life in Mull from 1950 onwards. Neil Gunn's fictional portrayals of Highland life are both vivid and accurate particularly in 'Young Art and Old Hector'.

Publishing
Although Highland literature tended not to be published locally, recent publishing ventures include the publishing house, Balnain Books, and the magazine Northwords. Gaelic poetry continues to thrive. Academic work is given prominence by the Gaelic Society of Inverness.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

If a book listed in the bibliography below is available from the Highland Libraries it will be indicated by a book icon -

The Companion to Gaelic Scotland

Daiches, David
The New Companion to Scottish Culture

Access more books about Gaelic literature

Access more books about literature

Access more books about poetry

Am Baile was established with initial funding from the New Opportunities Fund and is now funded by The Highland Council and managed as part of Highland Libraries.

Copyright Images may be downloaded from Am Baile for personal use, and for non-commercial educational purposes such as in a classroom or teaching environment, or for private research. For any other use of images, such as in a publication or on a publicly available website, copyright clearance must be obtained. Please contact us and we will refer you to the relevant copyright owner.

We believe we have the owner's permission to publish images we know are in copyright. If you think we have inadvertently used your copyright material without permission, please contact us.

Design and Technology by Precedent