Writers and artists under English skies.
LOCATION
Town Hall
Blagrave Street
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 1QH
United Kingdom
SPEAKER: Dr Alexandra Harris, University of Liverpool.
ABSTRACT: Writers and artists across the centuries, looking up at the same skies and walking in the same brisk air, have felt very different things. Alexandra Harris is a literary critic rather than a meteorologist, but in her new book Weatherland - and in this evening's talk – she tries to catch cultural climates on the move. The Anglo-Saxons before the Norman Conquest lived in a wintry world, writing about the coldness of exile or the shelters they must defend against enemies outdoors. The Middle Ages brought the warmth of spring; the new lyrics were sung in praise of blossom and cuckoos. It is hard to find a description of a rainy night before 1700, but by the end of the eighteenth century the Romantics will take a squall as fit subject for their most probing thoughts.
This meeting is part of the Royal Meteorological Society Meetings programme, open to all, from expert to enthusiast, for topical discussions on the latest advances in weather and climate. Non members are welcome to attend these meetings.
NOTE: Please use the Clock Tower entrance.
SPEAKER: Dr Alexandra Harris, University of Liverpool.
ABSTRACT: Writers and artists across the centuries, looking up at the same skies and walking in the same brisk air, have felt very different things. Alexandra Harris is a literary critic rather than a meteorologist, but in her new book Weatherland - and in this evening's talk – she tries to catch cultural climates on the move. The Anglo-Saxons before the Norman Conquest lived in a wintry world, writing about the coldness of exile or the shelters they must defend against enemies outdoors. The Middle Ages brought the warmth of spring; the new lyrics were sung in praise of blossom and cuckoos. It is hard to find a description of a rainy night before 1700, but by the end of the eighteenth century the Romantics will take a squall as fit subject for their most probing thoughts.
This meeting is part of the Royal Meteorological Society Meetings programme, open to all, from expert to enthusiast, for topical discussions on the latest advances in weather and climate. Non members are welcome to attend these meetings.
NOTE: Please use the Clock Tower entrance.