Research and Awards
Dorothy Dunnett’s writing has inspired readers to explore the worlds beyond the novels: historians and researchers, teachers and writers, artists and enthusiasts have all followed paths opened up by her books. Her works richly reward academic study, and we are committed to scholarship in both Dorothy Dunnett’s novels and their historical settings.
Members of the Dorothy Dunnett Society can share in that spirit of discovery. Research is for everyone: it might begin with a serious academic question, or simply with the irresistible urge to find out more about a person, place or idea encountered in the novels. Following those trails can be fascinating and fun, with shared discoveries fostering friendships and a wonderfully supportive community of fellow enthusiasts.
As part of our charitable aims, we encourage interest in Dorothy Dunnett’s work and in the history of the 11th, 15th and 16th centuries. Over the years, this has led to partnerships, awards and sponsorship, as well as the creation of Travel Guides and other resources to help readers delve deeper.
Here you can discover some of this work, find resources to take your interests further, and learn how you can get involved.
The Society works in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands to promote new scholarship in the history, politics, culture or religion in the 11th, 15th and 16th centuries. Research students at UHI can apply for our Centenary awards.
The Society supports academic research into the historical periods in which Dorothy Dunnett’s novels are set. Discover some of the projects we have helped to fund, and how to apply for support for your own research.
Each year, the Dorothy Dunnett Society sponsors the Historical Writers Association Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Award, encouraging writers to bring the past to life through historical fiction.
The National Library of Scotland holds the Dorothy Dunnett Archive, an extensive collection of her papers and working materials, offering a fascinating insight into her creative process and the scholarship behind her fictional worlds.
The Society’s magazine, Whispering Gallery, is our primary publication. It is a rich source for research, ideas and discoveries inspired by Dorothy Dunnett’s works.
Created and maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Dunnett Wiki spans more than 2000 pages, bringing together information about the novels, the archive and indexing Whispering Gallery.
Want to explore the worlds of the novels? Our Guides have been created by readers for readers to help you discover more about the people, places and history behind Dorothy Dunnett’s novels.
Dorothy Dunnett’s writing continues to inspire scholarly exploration across history and literature. Here you can discover academic papers and research prompted by her novels and their historical worlds.
