Caledonian Dreaming

GERRY HASSAN was born in Dundee. He is a writer, commentator, political analyst, and a regular contributor to The Scotsman, Newsnight Scotland, Good Morning Scotland, and Open Democracy. He works as a lecturer in cultural policy at the University of the West of Scotland.

Understanding that the old stories we tell ourselves influence the new stories we go on to write, Gerry Hassan has crafted a brilliant book unpacking the political narratives that have shaped modern Scotland in order to create a space to imagine anew. A book about Scotland important to anyone, anywhere, dreaming a new world. STEPHEN DUNCOMBEWith one bound Scotland could be free! How tempting that looks to the progressive-minded on both sides of the border. If only it were that easy. Gerry Hassan drills down to deeper reasons why the many dysfunctions of British democracy could dog an independent Scotland too. With a non-partisan but beady eye on society both sides of the border, in this clever book here are tougher questions to consider than a mere Yes/No. POLLY TOYNBEE The Guardian