Arguing for Independence: Viewpoints

STEPHEN MAXWELL was active in the debate on Scotland's political future for four decades. A native of Edinburgh, he studied at the universities of Cambridge and the London School of Economics before teaching and researching in international politics at the universities of Sussex and Edinburgh and at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London. He was the SNP's national press officer between 1973 and 1977 and subsequently a Lothian Regional Councillor and director of the SNP's campaign for a Yes vote in the 1979 Scottish Assembly referendum. Until October 2009 he was Associate Director of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.

Preface by Owen Dudley Edwards Acknowledgements Introduction THE CASE FOR SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE Ways of Arguing The Democratic Case The Economic Case The Social Case The International Case The Cultural Case The Environmental Case 'Aye, but...' Select Bibliography List of Acronyms

Stephen Maxwell has a positive, left-wing case for independence. SCOTTISH LEFT REVIEW Maxwell was an intellectual, a thinker, a writer, a civic activist, and a dedicated servant of Scotland's voluntary sector. Joyce McMillan, THE SCOTSMAN Maxwell has done his homework assiduously. The key historical, social science and political sources on the subject have been marshalled with skill and to good effect...The author writes in coherent and lucid prose so even complex economic arguments can be reaily understood and absorbed. SUNDAY HERALD This is a book of profound thought, intelligence and wit. To my mind it is the best book on the need for Scottish Independence and it certainly should be read and cherished by all of us who hope to contribute to the campaign. Stephen stimulated many of us for years, but this is his final and most powerful work. As Owen Dudley Edwards says in his Preface: "This book lifts the entire debate on Scottish independence to a new intellectual level. PAUL HENDERSON SCOTT