Understanding landscape: inter-disciplinary dialogue and the post-medieval countryside

Dalglish, C. (2009) Understanding landscape: inter-disciplinary dialogue and the post-medieval countryside. In: Horning, A.J. and Palmer, M. (eds.) Crossing Paths or Sharing Tracks? Future Directions in the Archaeological Study of Post-1550 Britain and Ireland. Series: Society for post-medieval archaeology monographs (5). Boydell and Brewer: Woodbridge, UK, pp. 233-254. ISBN 9781843834342

Abstract

This chapter explores some current traditions in post-medieval landscape archaeology and in landscape studies as practised by other relevant disciplines. It advocates an approach to landscape that aims to mediate between a well-grounded understanding of material conditions, possibilities and constraints, on the one hand, and human actions and experiences, on the other. It argues that this is best realised through a cross-disciplinary dialogue with a particular focus on the recursive relationship between the varied evidence, methods and interpretations of the diff erent interested disciplines. However, the aim of this dialogue should not be the fi nal resolution of dissonances between diff erent lines of evidence and interpretation. While a common basis is required for any eff ective collaboration, it is argued here that the most productive way forward is to seek to value rather than erase persistent dissonance. Th ese general issues in post-medieval landscape studies are explored in detail through a case study: the early history of the estate of the Campbells of Glenorchy in the Scottish Highlands.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dalglish, Dr Christopher
• Authors: Dalglish, C.
• Subjects: C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
• Publisher: Boydell and Brewer
• ISBN: 9781843834342