Start Date
1 October, 2025
There will be 5 weekly meetings on Tuesday, 11am - 1pm, starting from 1 October.
Overview
The ordinary extraordinary world of women’s lives is the subject of Elizabeth Taylor’s novels. She presents the domestic and imaginative spaces inhabited by women in prose Hilary Mantel describes as ‘stylish’. At Mrs Lippincote’s, A View of the Harbour, and A Wreath of Roses are set during and after WWII. In these novels, Taylor explores women as wives, lovers, friends, mothers, workers and writers. In Angel, Taylor’s only historical fiction, she creates the career and private life of the distinctively appalling author, Angelica Deverell.
- Elizabeth Taylor, At Mrs Lippincote’s, 1945
- Elizabeth Taylor, A View of the Harbour, 1947
- Elizabeth Taylor, A Wreath of Roses, 1949
- Elizabeth Taylor, Angel, 1957
This course will introduce the writing of Elizabeth Taylor to new readers as well as allowing established readers to reread and review her work. This course will appeal to anyone interested in mid twentieth century fiction. Students will be encouraged to share their ideas in seminar discussion.
Syllabus
Please note that this is indicative but not definitive. It is possible that there may be some small changes to the format.
Week 1
- Introduction
- Elizabeth Taylor, At Mrs Lippincote’s, 1945
Week 2
- Elizabeth Taylor, At Mrs Lippincote’s,
Week 3
- Elizabeth Taylor, A View of the Harbour, 1947
Week 4
- Elizabeth Tayor, A Wreath of Roses, 1949
Week 5
- Elizabeth Taylor, Angel, 1957
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier.
In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: Dr Shirley Jones
At Continuing Education, I currently run courses on contemporary women's writing, and the thematic strand, The Monthly Novel. Previously I have also taught courses on classic authors, such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, and Dorothy Wordsworth. My Ph. D was a study of the Victorian writer, Margaret Oliphant. Outside of Continuing Education, I am a member of a writers' group and I run the Redbrick Writers, a community writing group at the V G & M.
Courses fees: Full fee £80/Concession £40.
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