The Great Tom Nairn...

I've had java problems on my computer, so this script is very late, and for that apologies.

A short time ago, I was delighted to get an invitation to the launch of a new book Tom Nairn: Old Nations, Auld Enemies, New Times. Selected Essays, to be held in Edinburgh on September 15.

The photo is of one of his most famous essays from 1977 on The Twilight of the British State.

Amongst many tributes is the following: ‘Tom Nairn has been the most forceful and original mind to confront, de-mask and anatomise the British state.’ Neal Asherson, London Review of Books. (Neal, in my judgment, has been one of the great UK journalists of the last 50 years.)

Tom is a fairly elderly gent these days, and he will be making a rare public appearance. It is a few years since we last chatted, but I am greatly looking forward to seeing the great man again.

Oh and if you are interest in listening to Noam Chomsky, for some the greatest thinker of our time, here is an interview reflecting on our debate in Scotland, published five days ago.