Robert Burns and the Ideas of the American Revolution by Mark Calney

Newly Published Book (released 24/7/96)

This book has been written by an American, Mark Calney, based on new research carried out in Scotland and in the United States. It examines the poetry and ideas of Burns in the historical context within which he was working and the republican ideas and contacts he shared with the founders of the American revolution, and the counter organising against these ideas.

Calney examines Benjamin Franklin's visits to Edinburgh (in 1759 and 1771) about which he writes (P23),

'Franklin's trips to Scotland were not holiday excursions. The aim was intelligence, recruitment, and organising.'

Some of the 18th to 19th century activities of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) are examined, and this is very apposite today with newly released documents showing that there was British intelligence activity against the wholly democratic Scottish National Party in 1952.

The philosophical and literary situation in which Burns was writing is looked at,with specific reference to the creation of a British rather than a Scottish cultural tradition, and the role of Sir Walter Scott and David Hume in particular are examined in this context.

American readers will be particularly interested to read excerpts from Mark Twain's condemnation of Scott's role in the creation of the Confederacy as a means of destroying the republican philosophy and system of government.

Calney draws from this historical experience to make positive proposals for Scotland's future based on the revival of the physical economy and new technology. The book is surely an essential weapon in the war of ideas which Scotland must win if it is to free itself forever from the concentration camp of the mind which is the British system.

The book is available by mail order from the following addresses,

Scots for Peace and Freedom
PO Box 1314,
Glasgow,
SCOTLAND
FAX 0141-812-7941

American System Publications
PO Box 65738,
Los Angeles,
CA 90065
Tel: (213)-259-1867, FAX: (213)-259-1862

 CHEQUES OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO -
"American System Publications" (USA, Canada and Australia)
"Scots for Peace and Freedom" (Scotland or Europe)

Price inclusive of p and p.
Scotland,England,Ireland and Wales - £3.50
USA - $7, Canada - $9,
Australia and New Zealand -$10,
Germany - 10 Marks


See also Robert Burns - A Scots Patriot.
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