Episodes

First
Broadcast
RepeatedComments
20090503

Kenneth Steven tells the story of one of the greatest hoaxes in the history of poetry and literature. James MacPherson's apparent 'discovery' of the ancient poems of Ossian in the 1760s transformed the image and acceptance of Highland Scottish life throughout the world and helped to inspire the Romantic movement, but very quickly doubts were voiced about the authenticity of the poems.

The story of James MacPherson's 'discovery' of the ancient poems of Ossian in the 1760s.

2009050320090509 (R4)

Kenneth Steven tells the story of one of the greatest hoaxes in the history of poetry and literature. James MacPherson's apparent 'discovery' of the ancient poems of Ossian in the 1760s transformed the image and acceptance of Highland Scottish life throughout the world and helped to inspire the Romantic movement, but very quickly doubts were voiced about the authenticity of the poems.

The story of James MacPherson's 'discovery' of the ancient poems of Ossian in the 1760s.