Discover Issue 47, Winter 2022

Excerpt from 'Scots talent in the spotlight', page 3:

At the National Library of Scotland, we like to showcase homegrown talent – and you will find plenty of this in this edition of ‘Discover’.

Our cover story is an interview with Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart. The ‘Shuggie Bain’ and ‘Young Mungo’ author is completely unassuming and favours winning fans in Scottish communities more than any other accolade. If you thought you could not like him any more than you do already, you’ll be in for a treat (pages 10–13).

We also go in-depth on one of the people who feature in our ‘Pen Names’ exhibition, which runs until late April. Internationally renowned comic book artist Vincent Deighan, who uses the pseudonym Frank Quitely, shares a very honest account of the pros and cons of fame – particularly in the comic book and sci-fi sector – and reveals how his assumed name has occasionally gotten him out of a bind (pages 17–19).

Meanwhile, actor and broadcaster Atta Yaqub has been working with us on a project specifically focusing on Scottish Asians in broadcasting. This fascinating research kick-starts a variety of activities, to be announced soon, to mark the centenary of British broadcasting. You can read more about the ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ star’s experiences in broadcasting and his views on representation (pages 26–27).

This edition’s Curator’s Favourite is from our Political Collections Curator, Heidi Egginton, who is throwing the spotlight on the diary of renowned Scottish suffragist Helen Fraser. There are few stories in the political archives belonging to women – and the sad fact that this diary had to be rescued from a recycling centre in Australia perhaps helps to illustrate why. Uncover the extraordinary story of how this amazing document came to be in our collections and why it is so important (pages 14–16).

Of course, all the books we hold are important, but few can claim to have truly iconic status. Next year is the 400th anniversary of the creation of the famed ‘First Folio’ of Shakespeare’s plays – a volume which helped to ensure that the Bard’s timeless works were preserved for posterity. Our copy is one of the true treasures of our collections and Helen Vincent, Head of Rare Books, Maps and Music, explores these priceless pages and their historical and cultural significance. She also explains how, without the ‘First Folio’, the likes of Macbeth’s Weird Sisters and Prospero’s magical island would have been lost forever (pages 21–25).

We also share all of our latest news and events – including the launch of our Bookbug sessions and the appointment of a Scots Scriever (page 6), plus Tilda Swinton picking up the FIAF award (page 7) – along with information about our rich programme of upcoming talks and events covering a diverse range of topics, such as a very special map, how we talk about knives… and an evocative retelling of the life of Mary Queen of Scots (page 32).

Finally, we are appealing to you all to help us preserve our newspaper collection, which comprises millions of pages of newspapers from all over the country, each offering insight into Scots’ day-to-day lives. Read all about it on page 9.

I truly hope you enjoy this issue of ‘Discover’ as much as I do.

Amina Shah
National Librarian and Chief Executive