Discover Issue 46, Summer 2022

Excerpt from 'New chapter for Discover', page 3:

This is my first introduction to the Library’s magazine as National Librarian and I am delighted to introduce our revamped ‘Discover’.

I’d like to thank everyone – those who regularly read ‘Discover’ and those who do not – for taking the time to give us your views on the magazine. Your feedback helped us to shape this new and improved version, which we hope will be enjoyed by many people across the country.

Of course, the collections take centre stage – there’s an in-depth piece about our copy of the Gutenberg Bible, which is a star attraction in our recently opened Treasures of the National Library of Scotland exhibition (pages 10–13).

We highlight the intricate and fascinating illuminations that are found within its pages and what these ornate illustrations mean and reveal to readers.

Curators also give us a taste of what is ahead in the next major exhibition due to open this summer, Pen Names, with the fascinating story of the enigmatic Elizabeth MacKintosh (pages 18–21).

Better known as both Josephine Tey and Gordon Daviot, this private individual really let her work speak for itself. She is one of Scotland’s most acclaimed crime writers and yet very little is really known about her.

I was most privileged to take part in an online Library event alongside Witches of Scotland campaigners Claire Mitchell QC and Zoe Venditozzi on International Women’s Day in March. They tell us about the campaign to secure an apology for all of those accused and convicted of witchcraft – and the efforts to secure a national, state memorial – on pages 24–27.

Meanwhile, internationally renowned crime writer, Scotland’s own Val McDermid, shares her favourite books and thoughts on crime fiction more generally on pages 14–17.

She also discusses her rise to fame and her perhaps unlikely hobby – as lead singer for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers rock band, alongside some of this country’s best-known (and biggest-selling) authors. Head of Rare Books Helen Vincent also discusses one of her favourite novels, Catherine Carswell’s ‘The Camomile’, on pages 22–23, and reveals why this should be held within higher esteem within the Scottish literary canon.

The book, described as a counterpart to Virginia Woolf’s feminist classic ‘A Room of One’s Own’, is set in early 20th-century Glasgow and the city’s Mitchell Library plays a key role, offering a safe haven to a protagonist railing against the conventions of society.

Elsewhere, on pages 28–29, one of our wonderful interns, Alex Wilson, discusses the little-known stories they have been unearthing from our archives.

I really hope that you enjoy the new-look ‘Discover’. Please let us know what you think about the issue, and what you would like to read about in future issues, by emailing us at discover@nls.uk

Thank you, and happy reading.

Amina Shah
National Librarian and Chief Executive