William Motherwell's Cultural Politics

"Provides a new kind of insight into not only the man but also his milieu—Glasgow and Paisley in the waning years of the Romantic movement."—Choice

"Brown has grasped the opportunity to contract an unusual kind of literary biography, one that explores the life in a context of whys and wherefores. . . . Both an essential contribution to ballad studies and a valuable work of cultural history."—Folk Music Journal

"Not only does it give us a good picture of the man, but it gives us through him a very informative picture of 19th century antiquarian activities, interests, ideologies, and contexts."—Frank de Caro

"The only study to examine his personality and activities in sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive understanding of this important but enigmatic character. Her work will no doubt become a permanent fixture in ballad scholarship."—James Moreira

"A remarkable book about the life of a remarkable person in remarkable times. . . . A very satisfying and readable, substantial piece of scholarship."—Journal of American Folklore

"An ambitious and extremely useful study of this neglected figure in the discovery of the ballad."—Roger Abrahams

"A reader will find everything that he or she needs to know about early nineteenth century ballad scholar, William Motherwell."—Scottish Economic and Social History

"Provides a new kind of insight not only into the man but also into his milieu, Glasgow and Paisley in the waning years of the Romantic Movement."—Scottish Studies Review