Written in the Language of the Scottish Nation: A History of Literary Translation into Scots

Although much work has been published on certain aspects of translation into Scots, this timely book is the first comprehensive account of Scots translations from the fifteenth to the twentieth century. From the period before Gavin Douglas's translation of the Aeneid to John Byrne's recent adaptation of Gogol's The Government Inspector, this survey argues that translation plays a central role in the development of literature in Scots, lending authority to the vernacular, and extending the stylistic range open to writers in Scots. The survey draws upon insights from Translation Studies to examine the role of translation in a nation whose status is periodically redefined. The history of translation into Scots can be seen as a microcosm of the history of the Scottish nation and its culture. The case of Scots translation also raises important issues for Translation Studies, in particular the problem of the translator's 'visibility' when he or she cannot hide behind the neutrality of a standard language. This book is essential reading for those who are interested in Translation Studies, and should be enjoyed by anyone interested in the development of Scots and Scottish Literature.