In the 1920s, Scottish poetry, personified by Hugh MacDiarmid, asserted its independence, categorically denying the claim that there was no difference between English and Scottish literature. Though nationality is often considered a lesser, narrower ideal than poetry, in this case the polemical response has been enabling to rider and writer alike. In this anthology poets such as MacDiarmid, Edwin Muir, Sorley MacLean and Norman MacCaig as well as that of expatriates like Andrew Young and W.S. Graham are included.