Michael and Henry: The Nineteenth Century Poetic Wives from Birmingham

Talk by Gemma Larkin, MA Graduate, University of Birmingham. In conjunction with the Cadbury Research Library.

The works of Katharine Bradley and Edith Cooper, writing under the pseudonym ‘Michael Field’, allow insight into the lives of two nineteenth-century queer writers who published poems and verse dramas during the fin de siècle. Engaging directly with the collection held at the Cadbury Research Library, Gemma Larkin will be discussing the Sapphic desire in their published writing focusing on the natural imagery they use throughout their work, as well as how gender plays a part in their work. 

Please note: This will be a literary talk conducted in an academic context.

Please be aware though that as well as being life partners, Katherine and Edith were related as aunt and niece.

Email Jenny to book your place.