Yesterday was the summer MAPACA mini-session, a day of presentations in anticipation of this fall’s conference. I know, I’m no longer an academic but I am still persisting in being a scholar for some reason (habit mostly, I suppose). I do enjoy talking about this book! And yes, the fancy Folio Society edition with those beautiful Charles Vess illustrations.

I weaved together a rather complex web to define how the magic works in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell that drew upon Amy Hale’s insightful essay for Burlington Contemporary, Donna Harraway‘s work on enmeshment, and Dawn Keetley’s Folk Gothic which I found a really exciting read. Unsurprisingly perhaps, I had far too much sandwiched into my 15 minute time slot.

The good news is that I will continue on this subject Saturday at WorldCon in Glasgow and I have a little bit more time! This talk will go more deeply into folk gothic resonances in the novel. Yes, this is on the potential list of forthcoming courses that you don’t have to be in college to take. And yes, I am also talking earlier in the day about William Dunbar, the alchemist John Damian and Scotland’s first flight in 1507(!).

Much to do, but I am slowing getting to everything on the list. Wait until you see the surreal game!