Another early start to avoid the legendary Cosmo Breakfast, which I have previously and accurately described in politically incorrect terms which are not really suitable for publication. Very good coffee elsewhere however, then back to Senate House for today's papers.
Started with some papers on unfamiliar authors for me - E.M. Forster and J.B. Priestly. The Priestly paper in particular, given by Ken Smith was inspiring - another addition to the reading list in 'Angel Pavement'. Then, two panels of papers on 'Sinclair, Ackroyd and Moorcock'. This was a gamble for me, and it seemed odd to be watching people squabbling academically about living, breathing authors! This particularly came to head when questions were invited on a paper regarding 'The Blakean Legacy in Sinclair'. A smartly dressed and hitherto quiet member of the audience turned out to be slightly more intimately connected with the text than expected, which of course meant trouble, and an invitation to continue the discussion privately!
The papers broadly confirmed my expectations - lauding Sinclair, vilifying Ackroyd and (almost) ignoring Moorcock. That said, the papers on Sinclair were pretty incisive, gripping stuff. He seems to infuse his critics with the essence of his writing! One paper defended Ackroyd's historical writing somewhat, and after early accusations of Conservatism he was later described as a "romantic anti-capitalist" - an epithet I rather liked. It was however, very encouraging to see these writers being discussed in serious terms, and it filled me with enthusiasm for my own, far less significant projects which is always a good thing! A final Plenary session ended the conference, with Professor Sukhdev Sandhu speaking on 'Chinese Writing in London' with particular emphasis on the original Chinatown in Limehouse.
My only regrets are the papers I couldn't get to - particularly the one on Christ Church, Spitalfields - a favourite spot of mine. I can't quite describe how incredible and life-affirming the last couple of days have been. Its rare you get the chance to talk obsessively about one of your passions among people who firstly understand you, and secondly have a whole pile of things to tell you which you'd never have discovered on your own. Having strayed from the academic path somewhat, I rely on these events to keep me on the straight and narrow to some degree.
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
