The 'Bibliography' List

Yesterday, I handed in my undergraduate dissertation! You can't imagine the relief!

I thought I would share with you some of the books that I read in relation to my subject: 'Pride, Prejudice and the Modern Woman'.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Of course, the place where it all began. One of my favourite books, and SO much more complex than the average reader may appreciate.

Emma by Jane Austen

I only refer to this in passing in my dissertation, but I'm adding it to the list. Another favourite of mine. And like all of Austen's works, pure genius.

Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World by Claire Harman

This is an incredibly entertaining read, as well as a fascinating look at Austen's life, works, and how she continues to grow in popularity to this day.

Jane Austen in Hollywood by Linda Troost and Sayre Greenfield

This moves into the more academic works, but it's a brilliant range of essays on Austen works in adaptation.

The Common Reader by Virginia Woolf

Oh Virginia! One of the great female writers addresses the success of another. Obviously, I focused on the Austen chapter, but this book is a must-read.

Absence and Apologies

Dear Readers,

I am deeply sorry for my absence. I am in the final days of writing my magnum opus (dissertation), and thus am being extremely inattentive to the digital world.

I had to take a time out this evening to share this:

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

JK is not only one of the best loved authors of our list so far, and one of MY favourites, but also has some pearls of wisdom for us graduates and, I think, for everyone.

Enjoy, all. I'll be back soon!

Sebastian Faulks' "Fifth-Form Canon"

In his book Faulks on Fiction, Sebastian Faulks describes Pride and Prejudice (the subject of my dissertation) as "one of a handful of decisive books" in his life. At fourteen years old, "it was these books of the fifth-form canon, read in the space of that spring term, that made me think literature was the most important thing on earth". The following, he says, "shaped [his] life":

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

This Is Officially The Best Blog Ever...

And why? Because it is now endorsed by MARGARET ATWOOD! That's right, one of the greatest writers of our time (and let's face it, of ALL TIME) called this very humble blog a "good idea!" With an EXCLAMATION POINT!!!

Yes, I almost passed out in the street when I read that. And now, let's keep listing!