The literature of Alasdair Gray

Abstract

The thesis presents a critical discussion of the literature of Alasdalr Gray (concentrating on the novels Lanark and 1982. Janlne) related to information derived from archive material in the National Library of Scotland. There are two sections. The first is critical, the second includes a list of the archive upon which much of the criticism is based. In section one the evolution of the novels is traced from conception to publication using workbook evidence. The novels are then considered and contrasted in terms of their formal structure and aims. The critical section concludes by examining Gray's literary work using scales of discrimination based around two questions: to what extent the writing engages the readers subjective responses; and in what way the writing depends upon autobiographical material as a source. It is concluded that while Lanark and 1982. Janlne share similar themes, they differ both In their overall form and in their predominant modes of writing. Lanark can be regarded as an epic in the objective mode, and 1982. Janine as a thought- experiment in the subjective mode. Section two contains an edited, annotated and cross-referenced list of the National Library of Scotland’s archive material relating to Alasdalr Gray. The section concludes with a supplementary chronological list of biographical material. Section two thus functions as an annotated source book for tracing the development and chronology of Alasdair Gray's writing, and linking this with biographical information.