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Did Sir Walter Scott Invent Scotland?

This lecture will explain why Scott’s romanticised representations of Scotland were such a hit, and how his enduring legacy has helped or hindered Scotland as it seeks to define its place in Britain today.

Charles Dickens, 'Hard Times' and Hyperbole

Dickens' use of exaggeration is key to his style. But its use has myriad effects from making a character's disposition unmissable, to adding whimsy and humour.

Have There Been Cycles of Popularity For Jane Austen?

A question from the lecture 'Jane Austen, Persuasion: Irony and...

Jane Austen, 'Persuasion': Irony and the Mysterious Vagaries of Narrative

Narrative, the way a tale is told, is less straightforward than we might suppose. Austen handled irony brilliantly and systematically exploited new ways of narrating, including free indirect discourse. This lecture explores why Austen's way of narrating are so compelling.

Fairytale endings and complex irony - How do these reconcile with each other?

A question from the lecture 'Jane Austen, Persuasion: Irony and...

A Body in the River: The Application of Environmental Science in Murder Investigations

The bodies of murder victims, whole or in pieces, often end up in rivers or canals. This lecture will range from particular cases to general principles of tracing bodies, and the application of science in supporting the law.