Alec Finlay > Quotes

“This credo of youth is engulfed in a chorus of other voices: pilot-plans, social models, manifestos, concrete poetry, sound poetry, Happenings - new models of order in spaces of doubt. But what followed? The epitome of youthful rebellion is a thunderbolt; its aftermath so much charred earth. Re-reading Tom McGrath's Riverside Interview, I was struck by the characterisations of Alex Trocchi and R.D. Laing as justified sinners, strewing psychic chaos, inspiring a thunderous mixed-up scene. Their adventures in consciousness spiralled into drugs, alcoholism, broken relationships and early graves. Tom describes them as prototypes of evil but, while admitting their darkness, pledges himself again to the rebel party.”
― Alec Finlay, Justified Sinners: An Archaeology of Scottish Counter Culture, 1960 - 2000

“When will Scottish culture be able to sustain a body of criticism worthy of its cultural production?”
― Alec Finlay, Justified Sinners: An Archaeology of Scottish Counter Culture, 1960 - 2000