Introduction

The chapter presents an overview of existing research into Derick Thomson’s life and work, identifies major gaps, and outlines the rationale and structure of the monograph. It concludes with a brief biography which supplies basic information about Thomson’s familial and academic background, including the influence of his father, poet and editor James Thomson (Seumas MacThòmais, 1888–1971), and summarises his career. A timeline contextualises the main events of Thomson’s life alongside important developments concerning the Gaelic language and milestones of twentieth-century Scottish history.