Course Description: We’ll read together and discuss Bleak House, by the English novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870), which appeared as a book in 1853. It’s a great book—funny and eloquent, savage and touching. It’s also long, old, and set in a foreign country, so there are some challenges. But as readers, we can find many paths to take pleasure from it. There’s a compelling and elaborate mystery plot, innumerable odd characters, descriptions of high and low social life, especially in London, and observations on life itself. In his age, Dickens was beloved as a great entertainer. Nearly two hundred years later, we also admire his ambition, his craft, and his bold inventiveness.
Instructor: Before retiring in 2020 and moving to Amelia Island, Jonathan Arac taught literature in a number of universities for about 50 years, most recently and longest at the University of Pittsburgh. He loves talking about great books with other readers. In spring 2023, he led the ALL seminar “Enjoying Moby-Dick.”
Schedule: 7 sessions, Mondays from October 2 to November 13; 1:00-3:00PM.
Location: Room 201, St. Peters Episcopal Church, 801 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach.
Fee: $50
Materials: Students will need to have a copy of Bleak House. Recommend a hard copy of which there are many editions, new and used. Some 40 illustrations appeared with the original edition, and it’s a richer experience if you can get an edition with the illustrations.
