Hamish Henderson, Volume 2

Book excerpt: The second volume of the comprehensive biography of the renowned twentieth-century Scottish poet and translator. A songwriter, poet, and pioneer in the field of folksong, Hamish Henderson was a towering figure in twentieth-century Scottish literature. He also translated poetry—from Gaelic, French, German, Latin, and Greek—much of it into Scots. His life spanned most of the twentieth century, including serving in North Africa and Italy with the 51st Highland Division during World War II. This book continues Timothy Neat’s major study of this charismatic and fascinating man, presenting both a detailed biography and an assessment of his place in the context of the twentieth century. It is based on firsthand interviews with those who knew Henderson both personally and professionally, as well as detailed research of published and unpublished sources.