Introduction to Gaelic Fiction

This is the first book to provide a thorough introduction to Gaelic fiction. It traces the evolution of the form over the last century and focuses on the major developments that have led to the recent flourishing in Gaelic fiction publishing. The book follows a broadly chronological structure. The early chapters examine the emergence of fiction at the beginning of the last century, and discuss the cultural context. This leads into a broad exploration of the various kinds of fiction that have been written throughout the century. All of the novels and novellas are examined in turn, from Dn-Aluinn to Dleas Donn and Shrapnel, and the book also deals with all the short story collections and a large bulk of the uncollected fiction. As well as covering the work of well-known authors like Iain Moireach, Tormod Caimbeul and Iain Mac a' Ghobhainn, the book has space for many of the lesser-known names that have appeared in magazines such as Gairm. The final chapters focus on the current state of scholarship and criticism of Gaelic fiction and discuss the most recent and remarkable initiatives that have more than sustained the viability of fiction in the Gaelic language. Key Features* The only introduction to Gaelic fiction available* Analyses all novels and novellas, all short story collections, and much of the uncollected fiction* Places Gaelic fiction within a wider context* Examines the critical approaches taken to the fiction so far and introduces research areas that must be explored