Uncovering the Classics

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

Course Code: 08 218

Booking will close on 21st February 2025 at 12 noon

Due to limited resources, we are UNABLE TO ACCEPT LATE BOOKINGS after this date.

This course will take place in Room 1.10 of the Scrymgeour Building, University of Dundee, Park PLace, Dundee.

Certain novels are known as “classics” because they have “survived”. Many books are quickly forgotten but those that endure usually do so because they are really good and have been enjoyed by several generations of readers. Their titles and their authors are widely known and often quoted. In truth, though, there are plenty of “classics” which need to be revisited. Maybe we never actually got round to reading them, even though we rather wish we had. Others we read when we were young and perhaps did not fully appreciate them. This short course aims to look again at four novels. The life and work of the author will be examined before focusing on the book itself and the issues it raises: often surprisingly relevant today. Time will be left for discussion.

There is no requirement to read the novels before joining the group - plots will be summarised with no spoilers! - but the hope would be that participants will be inspired to pick up these books in the near future.

In this popular short course Eric will explore the times and the works of four very different classical writers:

• 25th February: E. Hemingway - A Farewell to Arms

• 4th March: W. Churchill - My Early Life
• 11th March: W. Collins - The Moonstone
• 18th March : A. Brontë - The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Tutor: Eric Summers

A Falkirk Bairn, Eric Summers is a graduate of Edinburgh University. He worked in the education sector, principally with Angus Council, for more than forty years. Now retired and resident in Kirriemuir, he is a founder member of the Kirriemuir Burns and Scottish Literature Society and the Strathmore Speakers Club. He is also secretary of the Aberdeen Dickens Club, the only branch of the Dickens Fellowship in Scotland. It hosted the international conference of the Fellowship in 2016. He organised the annual conference of the Eagle Society in Dundee in 2019, only the second time it has been held in Scotland. He’s a season ticket holder at Tannadice, but retains a soft spot for the Bairns.

Comments on Eric's Uncovering the Classics courses held in 2023/24

"Always enjoy the background that Eric gives us about the author's family, relationships and the history of the period. Fascinating context to the chosen book".

"Courses are always well researched and very interesting. They are well worth attending".

"Always interesting to learn about the background of each author as well as the book itself".

"As always an interesting and very enjoyable course".

"Eric's research into the life, times and relationships of the authors adds real value to the works studied. Always enjoyable".

Enquiries should be sent to: [email protected]

As a volunteer organisation with limited resources we try to respond to queries as quickly as possible. Please bear with us.

Host or Publisher Lifelong Learning Dundee