{"product_id":"history-as-theatrical-metaphor-history-myth-and-national-identities","title":"History as Theatrical Metaphor: History, Myth and National Identities","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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 \u003cstrong\u003eScottish identity\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical scope:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClose readings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Examines the work of major and neglected dramatists, offering detailed discussion of texts by Robert McLellan and contemporaries that illuminate thematic continuities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage and identity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Argues convincingly that Scottish language and dialect are central to how plays construct national identity and ideological stance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRange of authors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Considers a wide group of writers including Hector MacMillan, Stewart Conn, John McGrath and Liz Lochhead, which broadens the usual canon-focused view.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheoretical framing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Places modern Scottish drama in relation to Scottish and European predecessors to show transnational influences on national mythmaking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIlluminates lesser-discussed dramatists alongside well known figures, expanding understanding of the field.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong attention to \u003cstrong\u003eScottish language\u003c\/strong\u003e shows how dialect shapes national narratives on stage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnects plays to wider historiographical and mythic concerns, helping readers grasp ideological stakes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe focus through World War Two means later twentieth-century developments are not covered, which limits its use for readers seeking postwar analysis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHistory as Theatrical Metaphor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubtitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHistory, Myth and National Identities in Modern Scottish Drama\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIan Brown\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubject focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScottish history plays, language, myth and identity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChronological scope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSince the 1930s up to end of World War Two\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNotable playwrights discussed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRobert McLellan, Hector MacMillan, Stewart Conn, John McGrath, Liz Lochhead and others\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistory 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book cover contemporary Scottish plays?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. The analysis stops at the end of World War Two, so it does not treat postwar contemporary developments in detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich playwrights receive the most attention?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. Robert McLellan and his contemporaries are central, with sustained discussion of a broad group including Liz Lochhead and John McGrath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the book more scholarly or accessible?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. The book takes a scholarly, analytical tone suitable for students and researchers rather than casual readers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Brown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48194207645915,"sku":"1349692476","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61UKlmUm-_L._SL1360.jpg?v=1770218366","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/history-as-theatrical-metaphor-history-myth-and-national-identities","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}