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Celtic MSS. in relation to the Macpherson fraud / With a review of Professor Freeman's criticism of [P.B. Du Chaillu's] "The Viking Age," by the author of "Celticism a myth" cover

Celtic MSS. in relation to the Macpherson fraud / With a review of Professor Freeman's criticism of [P.B. Du Chaillu's] "The Viking Age," by the author of "Celticism a myth"

Chapter 2: PREFACE.
By James Cruikshank Roger
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About This Book

The pamphlet challenges the authenticity of purported Celtic manuscripts attributed to an earlier compiler, scrutinizing provenance, witness testimony, and the potential for later fabrication; it contends that surviving assertions rest on second‑hand accounts and inconsistent custodial records. It details reports of dispersion, damage, and doubtful transcription practices that undermine claims of ancient origin and criticizes the standards of evidence used to endorse celebrated translations. Paired with this investigation is a review of contemporary critiques of narratives about early northern migrations, arguing that conventional ethnic distinctions and foundational assumptions deserve careful reevaluation.

PREFACE.

That portion of this tractate which relates to Celtic manuscripts and the doings of Macpherson, was transmitted to the Scotsman newspaper, in reply to an article by Professor Mackinnon which appeared in that journal. My communication was however returned by the editor on the plea that he could not find room for its insertion. It was perhaps too much to expect that a journal owned by one of the secretaries of a Society, which had engaged the services of the Celtic Professor at Oxford, to uphold what I call the Celtic myth, should open its columns to one inimical to Macpherson, and utterly sceptical in regard to his pretended translation. Mr. Mackinnon’s enumeration seems a vindication of the antiquity of Celtic MSS. in general, and was no doubt also projected “as a basis for more extended collaboration.”

It occurred to me that my remarks on the Ossian MSS. might with advantage be incorporated with some notice of Professor Freeman’s criticism of “The Viking Age,” both tending in the same direction. One wipes out the Celts as the pioneers of civilization, the other explodes the Saxons as a race distinct from the Scandinavians. With this in view I have been aiming for some time past, to put my thoughts in train for publication, but want of time has always stood in the way.

J. C. ROGER.

Friars Watch,
Walthamstow.
October, 1890.