What's On - Uncovering the Classics

Certain novels are known as “classics” because they have “survived”. Many books are quickly forgotten but those that endure usually do so because they are really good and have been enjoyed by several generations of readers. Their titles and their authors are widely known and often quoted. In truth, though, there are plenty of “classics” which need to be revisited. Maybe we never actually got round to reading them, even though we rather wish we had. Others we read when we were young and perhaps did not fully appreciate them. This short course aims to look again at four novels. The life and work of the author will be examined before focusing on the book itself and the issues it raises: often surprisingly relevant today. Time will be left for discussion.

There is no requirement to read the novels before joining the group - plots will be summarised with no spoilers! - but the hope would be that participants will be inspired to pick up these books in the near future.

In this popular short course Eric will explore the times and the works of four very different classical writers:

11th November: Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights
18th November: Joseph Conrad: Heart of Darkness
25th November: Charles Dickens: David Copperfield
2nd December : Benjamin Franklin: Autobiography