Of slumbering academics and peasants’ sons: Perspectives on the peasantry of the Northeast of Scotland

Abstract

Johnny Gibb of Gushetneuk, by William Alexander with an Introduction and an Appreciation by Ian Carter. Towie Barclay Castle, Turriff, Aberdeenshire: Heritage Press (Scotland), 1979. Pp. x + 285, glossary, illustrations. No price.

Farm Life in Northeast Scotland, 1840–1914, by Ian Carter. Edinburgh: John Donald Ltd, 1979. Pp. xiv + 258. £12.50

In this review article two books are considered: Johnny Gibb of Gushetneuk, by William Alexander, a reprint of a novel concerned with the peasantry of the northeast of Scotland, which was written in the late 1860s; and a new book by Ian Carter, Farm Life in Northeast Scotland, 1840–1914. The former is seen as part of a rich, older tradition of study of the countryside of the northeast, that existed outside of the universities; the latter as a highly original contribution to a newer enterprise, based within the universities; and it is suggested that both transcend the little ‘orthodox’ economic history that has been written. Carter's great merit is to show that in the northeast of Scotland, unlike other parts of the lowlands, the peasantry had not been eliminated by 1840, but remained, in significant articulation with capitalist agriculture in the area, until 1914.

Notes

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.