These two women were regarded as being outstanding authors during the times in which they lived. Mary Sidney Herbert (1561-1621) is mainly associated with her accomplished poetic translations of the Psalms. Amongst her other publications is a play based on the Antony and Cleopatra story, before Shakespeare wrote his version. Elizabeth Gaskell’s work does not need an introduction.
How are these two women linked across time and place? Come to the talk and find out!
Dr Julia Allen’s interest in Gaskell began while she was studying for a master’s degree in history, which included a study of James Kay Shuttleworth, at Manchester University. However, other worlds beckoned and, while living and working in Zambia during the 1980s, Julia began research for her PhD, a study of cultural history in Central Africa. She has published widely in that field in history and theological journals.
Julia is a member of the London and South-east branch of the Gaskell Society and worked for the Open University for many years, teaching in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Since retirement she has lectured regularly for a Wiltshire based Literary Society. In 2022 she co-authored a local history book: Mary Sidney Herbert: an Elizabethan Writer and her World.
The meeting will take place at Francis Holland School, 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF. Doors open at 12.45 – do bring a packed lunch to eat before the talk starts at 2.00 pm. Tea and coffee will be available afterwards and contributions of cake, etc, to go with these are very welcome!
All are welcome, both members and non-members – no need to book. We ask for a £6 donation to cover our expenses.