Scotland and Southern Appalachia have always shared a strong connection. Many of the first people to permanently settle in the Appalachian mountains came from the Scottish highlands seeking religious and other freedoms. Many descendants of those first settlers from Scotland still make their homes in Southern Appalachia and attribute many aspects of their culture to their Scottish heritage.

This book explores the parallels and connections between Scotland and Southern Appalachia, with special attention to the interplay between revivals of folk culture, native languages, and dialects in Scotland and Appalachia since the 1970s. It covers contemporary Scottish and Appalachian cultural movements, particularly the links between cultural revivals and identity politics, and contains substantial references that increase its value as an authoritative scholarly work on the convergence of the cultures.

About the Author
Richard Blaustein is a professor of sociology and anthropology at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. He is also the former director of ETSU's Center for Appalachian Studies and Services.

Reviews
"sensitive and insightful obervations...valuable"-A! Magazine; "lively and stimulating"-The North Carolina Historical Review; "informative"-Journal of Appalachian Studies; "a great reference...an excellent source"-The Advocate (Baton Rouge, Louisiana); "folk revivals and literature in both Scotland and Appalachia elevated fors of speech that had been disparaged...recognition comes as Appalachian dialects are disappearing from speech, largely because of a more mobile society, education and mass media"-Knox News; "Blaustein develops rich comparisons by working carefully with these prickly symbols...engaging...a sharp critique of cultural critique...important"-Journal of American Folklore; "explores connections and similarities between Scotland and Appalachia, focusing on revivals of folk culture and the incorporation of folk speech into poetry and other forms of creative expression"-The Center for Appalachian Studies and Services; "should provide scintillating reading"-Appalachian Heritage.



Book Information
ISBN 9780786414529
Author Richard Blaustein
Format Paperback
Page Count 182
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 249g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 9mm