author

James Cruikshank Roger

1820–1899

A Scottish barrister and historical writer with a taste for argument, he is best remembered for fiercely questioning accepted ideas about Celtic history and tradition. His books range from antiquarian studies of Scottish places and families to larger, often combative works of historical controversy.

1 Audiobook

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"

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"

by James Cruikshank Roger

About the author

James Cruikshank Roger (1820–1899) was a barrister of the Middle Temple who also built a reputation as a historical and antiquarian writer. Sources connected with his books describe him as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries in Copenhagen.

He wrote on Scottish history, archaeology, genealogy, and historical debate. Among the works attributed to him are Celticism a Myth, Celtic Manuscript in Relation to the Macpherson Fraud, Notes of Ancient Monuments in the Ruined Church of St. Mary, Rothesay, and An Historical Summary of the Roger Tenants of Coupar. His published papers also appeared in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Roger seems to have been drawn to disputed corners of history, especially questions where folklore, national identity, and documentary evidence collided. His writing has the feel of a determined researcher arguing his case in public: scholarly, energetic, and often unapologetically skeptical.