The Scots' Crisis of Confidence

by Carol Craig

"In this brand new edition, Carol Craig further exposes Scots’ attitudes to and predilection for negativity. She offers a refreshingly different analysis of the big themes of Scottish culture. Already a successful book, reflecting Scotland’s changed political position, it is rewritten in parts and brought up to date. Campanion volume to The Tears that Made the Clyde – wellbeing in Glasgow (Argyll 2010)

“(Craig) passionately wants to bring Scots out of their shells, be all they can be, accept themselves and each other for what they are.” Iain Macwhirter, Sunday Herald

“This is a brave book, a stimulating book, a ground-breaking book. It should shake this little nation to its foundations and smash its complacency.” Harry Reid, The Herald

“I suspect that in time The Scots Crisis of Confidence will become one of the standard texts on Scottish character and – that dreaded word – identity.” Michael Russell, Holyrood Magazine

“. . . the intellectual drums are beating again in an attempt to understand why devolution has not led to a new golden age. . . deserves close reading.” George Kerevan, The Scotsman."

Genres: Scotland

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Andrew McPake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ideal book for anyone who wishes to understand the nature of Scottish identity. Whilst it has many limitations, Craig acknowledges these early: the book contains no empirical data and is best read as hypothesis. However, anyone who finds themselves at a loss as to the behaviour of the Scots - successful or unsuccessful - will find much comfort in this volume.