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National Library of Scotland

Literature and poetry

Explore the rich world of Scottish literature, including timeless classics, modern masterpieces, and the vibrant voices that shape Scotland's literary landscape.

'Poor things': Alasdair Gray's postmodern classic

Manuscripts Curator Colin McIlroy explores the mind and inspiration behind the story on which the film 'Poor Things' was based.
The spread out pages of the handwritten manuscript of 'Poor Creatures' (original name for 'Poor Things'). Underneath these pages is a colourful illustration showing a large man sitting on a couch and and boy and a girl sitting on his lap.

Mary Shelley and the Scottish Gothic Tradition

Read about the profound impact Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' has had on literature and culture.
Black illustration of a simplified Frankestein's monster against a green background.

Travelling the 'Red Dust Road': My connection with Jackie Kay

Through personal reflections and literary connections, Ellie Muniandy considers the lasting impact of Jackie Kay's groundbreaking writing.
A woman with black glasses smiling and laughing against library shelves. Her hands are raised to touch her glasses.

Pen names: Literary anonymity and identity

From the Classical era to the present day, writers have used pseudonyms for different reasons.
A collage showing the book covers of many books. These include 'Personal' by Lee Child, 'Death Lands' by James Axler, and 'Man Trap' by Hans Vogel.

Muriel Spark: People-watcher, traveller, novelist

We explore how Scottish writer Muriel Spark's own life formed the basis for some of her most acclaimed writing.
A collage of three black-and-white photographs of Muriel Spark. The left image shows her with curly hair wearing a pearl necklace. The center image features Muriel in a sleeveless dress sitting on an outdoor bench, with cars and buildings in the background. The right image shows Muriel writing in an open book at a desk, with bookshelves behind her.

Lewis Grassic Gibbon and 'Sunset Song'

We explore Gibbon's life, drawing links between 'Sunset Song's main character and the writer's conflicted feelings about his childhood home.
A stylized illustration of a person standing next to a brown horse with a black harness. The person is wearing a long floral-patterned dress and black boots. In the background, there is a large yellow sun, some clouds, and a small house in the distance.

Sir Walter Scott and his historical influences

Scott's work may romanticise Scotland, but it also reveals its truths. Uncover the real stories behind two of his most iconic novels.
Engraving of Edinburgh with tall, narrow buildings and a large Gothic-style church on the right. People, animals, and carts populate the cobbled square.

Susan Ferrier and her contemporaries: The Scottish novelists who outsold Jane Austen

Once more popular than Austen, Susan Ferrier is now forgotten. This piece reveals why Scotland’s literary stars faded from fame.
Silhouette of a woman in 19th-century attire, wearing a long dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt. The person has an elaborate headpiece and is holding a book.

The seven faces of Robert Louis Stevenson: From sickly child to acclaimed storyteller

From Edinburgh to Samoa, Robert Louis Stevenson defied illness and norms to become a literary legend, creator of 'Treasure Island' and adventurer.
Sepia-toned photograph of a man sitting on a chair with arms crossed over the backrest. The person wears a dark velvet jacket, white shirt, and tie.

John Buchan and 'The Thirty-Nine Steps'

John Buchan's 'The Thirty-Nine Steps' is a gripping tale of a man on the run—an enduring thriller that continues to captivate readers today.
A group of men around a table turned towards a door where another man enters.