RICHARD JEFFERIES SOCIETY
STUDY DAY
SATURDAY
24 June 2017
Connections and
Inspirations: the Influence of Richard Jefferies on Writers and Poets
At the Richard
Jefferies Museum, Coate, Swindon SN3 6AA
PROGRAMME
The 1890s gave rise to a number of
successful books written in the same vein as Jefferies’ works – a trend recognised in 1896 by the Critic, which stated that ‘there really
seems to be no question that books of the Richard Jefferies school are more
popular just now than they ever have been before’. Jefferies’ influence in
literature has been present ever since, and writers and
poets such as Henry Williamson, John Fowles, and Edward Thomas have expressed
their debt to Jefferies. New connections between Jefferies’ works and other
writers are frequently unfolding, and this Study Day seeks to celebrate known
connections with other literary figures and perhaps even discover new ones. We
welcome contributions in the form of readings from writer's works that suggest Jefferies’
influence, or short summaries of research. Contributions might also
discuss what
writers have said about Jefferies, and consider writers who have led them
to Jefferies.
Writers and poets might
include John Betjeman, Mary Butts, John Cowper-Powys,
Enid Blyton, Ronald Blythe, Rachel Carson, W.H. Auden, W.H. Hudson, E.M.
Forster, John Fowles, Thomas Hardy, James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence, Richard Mabey,
Robert MacFarlane, Arthur Ransom, Henry Stephens Salt, Edward Thomas, Mary
Webb, and Henry Williamson. Contributions which identify new connections with
lesser known writers and poets are also welcome. Please ensure that
contributions are approximately five minutes long, so that as many people can
participate as possible.
This event is open to the public and free to attend.
10.30 Doors open and refreshments.
11.00 Welcome.
Dr. Rebecca Welshman will give an overview
of the subject followed by
contributions from the floor.
1.00-2.30 Lunch break.
Bring a packed lunch.
2.30 Readings
continue and discussion.
3.45 Refreshments.
4.15 Depart.
