Abstract (eng)
The present thesis aims at analysing Boyd’s historical fiction in light of contemporary philosophy of history and the tradition of the historical novel. For an understanding of the ways in which Boyd introduces historical facts, comprehension of both is necessary. As a first step, the commonly accepted boundary between the disciplines of history and literature needs reconsideration. As a result of stressing the narrative nature of supposedly factual historical accounts, historical fiction proves to be an equally justifiable means of historical presentation. An analysis of the diachronic development of the historical novel reveals the standards of historical depiction over literary epochs. Although a contemporary writer, Boyd does not oblige himself to postmodernist norms. Rather, his historical novels are the result of picking and choosing from the tradition of the genre. Finally, Boyd’s novels An Ice-Cream War, The Blue Afternoon and Restless are analysed considering progressive philosophy of history and the tradition of historical fiction. Thus, the essence of Boyd’s mode of presenting historical issues is uncovered. The author clearly favours realistic depictions of past times and events. Still, he is aware of current advances in the philosophy of history and in no way pursues mimetic representation of the past. His historical novels emphasise the narrative and forever provisional character of any historical writing.