The literature of the Highlanders : $b a history of Gaelic literature from the earliest times to the present dayMacNeill, Nigel
History
The literature of the Highlanders : $b a history of Gaelic literature from the earliest times to the present day
MacNeill, Nigel
Scottish Gaelic literature -- History and criticism
The earlier labours of many Highlanders in these fields are not now
of so much value, but a similar remark is equally applicable to those
whose names are associated with other peoples and their history. The
results of such efforts as these are certainly not Gaelic literature,
but they are referred to here as kindred and indispensable in
understanding it. Such books as Grant “On the Descent of the Gael”
and Logan’s “Scottish Gael” remind us of the earlier periods, while
we are able to point to Skene’s monumental work “Celtic Scotland”
as embodying the fruits of the Gaelic learning of our generation.
The “Antiquarian Notes” and other excellent productions from the pen
of Mr Fraser-Mackintosh, M.P., show that some of our legislators in
these times take a living and hearty interest in the annals of their
ancestors. That splendid series of publications, “The Historians of
Scotland,” the Celtic student will find a much-prized possession; and
the series of volumes the Rhind Lecturers have given us will be felt
to be equally valuable. Gregory, Browne (supplemented by Keltie), and
others have written on general Highland history and the achievements
of the Highland regiments. And a large number of writers have
published important works on county and clan histories.
Among those who have published clan histories the name that
undoubtedly stands highest is that of the indefatigable Mr Alexander
Mackenzie of Inverness, whose labours in this field are quite
gigantic. He has produced many large and interesting volumes on
some of the chief clans, and the fulness and accuracy of them
are acknowledged by those most competent to judge. In this field
Mr Mackenzie stands head and shoulders above all his fellows. As
projector and editor of the _Celtic Magazine_ first, and subsequently
of the _Scottish Highlander_, he has supplied his countrymen with an
immense mass of Highland lore of every description.
Very interesting volumes of Celtic waifs and strays, Gaelic tales,
and folk-lore have been published by Mr Nutt, London; and to these
have been contributed exceedingly valuable notes by Mr Alfred Nutt.
The material for these volumes has been supplied by able ministers
of the Church of Scotland—the Rev. Mr MacInnes, Rev. J. G. Campbell
of Tiree, and the Rev. Mr Macdougall of Duror. The name that stands
highest in this sphere of folk-lore is undoubtedly that of the Rev.
Alexander Stewart, LL.D., the well-known and accomplished “Nether
Lochaber,” whose gifted pen has shed the lustre of literary beauty
on all it has touched. Dr Stewart’s powers are as versatile as they
are original and full of the patriotic spirit. For more than a
generation he has poured forth rich contributions in poetic prose and
in verse, in English and in Gaelic, on natural history, literature,
and folk-lore.
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