Public Lecture: ‘The “Death” and Reinvention of Scotland’ Professor Thomas Devine

About

In the early nineteenth century several of Scotland's leading thinkers predicted the end of the nation's traditional sense of itself. In the words of Sir Walter Scott, the most famous Scotsman of his generation, 'What makes Scotland Scotland is fast disappearing'.

In its place a new Scotland, North Britain, shaped by anglicisation, modernity and empire, would emerge out of the ashes of the old. What actually happened not only confounded the intellectual pessimists but became a fascinating narrative of cultural transformation which has influenced the national mindset of the Scottish people, both at home and abroad, from the Victorian era to the modern age of devolution. The audience are left to judge how much if any of this story resonates in the history of Wales!

Professor Devine is a historian of Scotland and is the author or editor of over two dozen books, one of which, The Scottish Nation (1999) became an international bestseller – for a period even outselling the adventures of Harry Potter in Scotland!

The lecture will be preceded by a drinks reception from 6pm in the Main Building foyer.

This event is open to all and free to attend but places must be booked in advance, please contact publicbookings@cardiff.ac.uk or +44(0)29 2087 6935.