SCOTNOTES Study Guides

Neil Munro’s JOHN SPLENDID
& THE NEW ROAD

Ronald W. Renton

Published in: Paperback.
By: Association for Scottish Literary Studies, 2007
Price: £5.95
ISBN 978-0-948877-80-3

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Neil Munro, although best known today for his humourous Para Handy stories, wrote several very fine historical novels exploring, and critiquing, Highland life and culture. 

Ronald Renton’s Scotnote examines two major works by Munro: John Splendid, set during the civil wars of the 17th century; and The New Road, set during the opening-up of the Highands by General Wade’s road-building programme, shortly before the Jacobite uprising of 1745. The historical, cultural and political backgrounds of each novel are discussed and contrasted. This guide is suitable for senior school pupils and students at all levels.

CONTENTS

• Neil Munro – life and work
• Neil Munro and the historical novel
• John Splendid
  • Introduction
  • Historical background
  • Structure and plot summary
  • Themes and characters
  • Setting
  • Language and style
  • Local and literary influences
  • John Spendid’s place in Scottish Highland literature
• The New Road
  • Introduction
  • Historical background
  • Structure and plot summary
  • Themes and characters
    1. Murder and mystery
    2. Disillusionment
    3. Regeneration
    4. The New Road
  • Setting
  • Language and style
  • Literary influences
  • The Search
• Conclusion
• Select bibliography
• The works of Neil Munro