Following on from Book Week Scotland, Aberdeen City Libraries’ celebration of Scottish literature continues this November with a talk on Walter Scott before rounding out the month with a celebration of Scottish songwriter Robert Tannahill on St. Andrews Day.
‘Fantastically set’: Fantasy and the supernatural in Walter Scott’s poems
Wednesday 27 November, 6pm at Central Library
How were the themes of fantasy and the supernatural presented in the works of one of Scotland most influential writers – Walter Scott ,and how they are still relevant in fantasy writing today? Join Aberdeen City Libraries for this special discussion with researchers from the University of Aberdeen’s Walter Scott Research Centre to find out more.
Dr Natalie Tal Harries will explore Walter Scott’s presentations of the supernatural in his poetry, focusing on ‘The lay of the Last Minstrel’ and ‘The Lady of the Lake’ and how Scott’s method of incorporating ‘the Marvellous in poetry’ establishes some key principles which correspond with the approach of later fantasy writers.
Dr Anna Fancett will look at how themes such as a mysterious prophecy, a missing heir, a magic book aren’t just elements of modern fantasy but were important parts of Walter Scott’s historical poems and novels and discuss the links between modern fantasy and early nineteenth century literature.
Celebrating Robert Tannahill of Paisley (1774-1810) by Fred Freeman
Saturday 30 November, 2.30pm at Central Library
Join Aberdeen City Libraries this St Andrews day with a special multimedia talk by Prof Fred Freeman with musical and fine art illustrations celebrating the life and work of Robert Tannahill.
Robert Tannahill of Paisley (1774-1810), near contemporary of Burns, was a weaver, a songwriter and poet who wrote over 100 songs of a quality comparable to Burns himself.
This 250th Anniversary Lecture marks the completion of Prof Freeman’s monumental 5 CD series of The Robert Tannahill Songs.