Judith Hawley

David O’Shaughnessy, a Professor of Eighteenth-Century Studies, Judith Hawley, specializing in Eighteenth-Century Literature, and Michael Griffin, an expert in English, explore the multifaceted brilliance of Oliver Goldsmith. They discuss his journey from a struggling writer in London to a celebrated literary figure. Key topics include his renowned works like 'The Vicar of Wakefield' and 'She Stoops to Conquer', the nostalgic and social critiques in his poetry, and the enduring legacy he left in literature and theatre, revealing both his quirky kindness and intricate personality.

Judith Hawley, a Professor of 18th Century Literature, Miles Taylor, a Professor of British History, and Mark Knights, a Professor of History, dive into the iconic figure of John Bull. They explore how this satirical character originated with John Arbuthnot in 1712, reflecting the woes of the English everyman overwhelmed by government taxations. The conversation highlights John Bull's evolution from a tradesman to a symbol of British identity and imperialism, shedding light on satire’s role in political critique and societal shifts across the centuries.