History as Theatrical Metaphor: History, Myth and National Identities

In this review of History as Theatrical Metaphor, Ian Brown offers a focused study for readers interested in how drama interrogates national identity. The book is best for students, theatre practitioners and scholars seeking a sustained account of Scottish history plays up to World War Two; its single biggest strength is the way it connects specific playwrights and plays to broader questions of Scottish identity and historiography without losing sight of language and myth. This is an analytical review rather than a casual survey: the book rewards close reading and prior interest in theatre history.

Key Features

• Historical scope: Covers the development of Scottish history plays particularly since the 1930s through the end of World War Two, providing chronological context for shifts in theatrical portrayal of the past.
• Close readings: Examines the work of major and neglected dramatists, offering detailed discussion of texts by Robert McLellan and contemporaries that illuminate thematic continuities.
• Language and identity: Argues convincingly that Scottish language and dialect are central to how plays construct national identity and ideological stance.
• Range of authors: Considers a wide group of writers including Hector MacMillan, Stewart Conn, John McGrath and Liz Lochhead, which broadens the usual canon-focused view.
• Theoretical framing: Places modern Scottish drama in relation to Scottish and European predecessors to show transnational influences on national mythmaking.

Who It's For

This book suits theatre students, academic researchers and practitioners who want an informed account of how Scottish plays engage with history, myth and language. Readers preparing coursework, program notes or scholarly essays will find the close textual attention and contextual links particularly useful.

It is less suitable for casual readers seeking a light overview of Scottish theatre or for those wanting a sweeping contemporary history beyond World War Two; the tone and focus favor careful, scholarly reading over broad popular narrative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Illuminates lesser-discussed dramatists alongside well known figures, expanding understanding of the field.
• Strong attention to Scottish language shows how dialect shapes national narratives on stage.
• Connects plays to wider historiographical and mythic concerns, helping readers grasp ideological stakes.

Cons

• The focus through World War Two means later twentieth-century developments are not covered, which limits its use for readers seeking postwar analysis.

Specifications

Title	History as Theatrical Metaphor
Subtitle	History, Myth and National Identities in Modern Scottish Drama
Author	Ian Brown
Subject focus	Scottish history plays, language, myth and identity
Chronological scope	Since the 1930s up to end of World War Two
Notable playwrights discussed	Robert McLellan, Hector MacMillan, Stewart Conn, John McGrath, Liz Lochhead and others

Our Verdict

History as Theatrical Metaphor is a valuable, focused study for anyone researching Scottish drama and national identity; its careful readings and attention to language make it good value for students and scholars seeking depth rather than broad chronological sweep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover contemporary Scottish plays?
Answer. The analysis stops at the end of World War Two, so it does not treat postwar contemporary developments in detail.

Which playwrights receive the most attention?
Answer. Robert McLellan and his contemporaries are central, with sustained discussion of a broad group including Liz Lochhead and John McGrath.

Is the book more scholarly or accessible?
Answer. The book takes a scholarly, analytical tone suitable for students and researchers rather than casual readers.