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10:44 pm September 18th, 2007
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Dissertation Rambles
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![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) wakaba_chan
   
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Over the past three months I've been slowly researching for my dissertation, although most of the time it doesn't actually feel like research. I suppose it helps that I'm deeply interested in my subject and want to devour as much information about it as I possibly can. I know that I'm going to be doing far too much research - it's only ten thousand words - but everything is so interesting that I can't stop!
It's really strange, though. When asked to think about my dissertation, I immediately wanted to do something female-based in the eighteenth century. However, that would be far too easy: there's so much information and research on this topic that it would feel as though I'd not have to do any work. So I chose the Dandy, probably because I was reading a Heyer at the time that involved a dandy-esque main character.
I love the dandy. I really do. I love how mysterious he is, how slippery he is. I love how bisexual he is. I love reading recollections of Byron confessing to curling his hair at night, rumours of Brummell spending the entire morning working on his costume, the silly caricatures of the dandies that cropped up. I love later readings of the dandy by d’Aurevilly who wrote an entire book about the philosophical creature hiding behind the made up clothes-horse. I love the fact that Brummell spent as much time on his costume as a female and yet was considered to be the foundation of the traditional Victorian gentleman because he was so cold hearted. I think he is the most interesting character of the eighteenth century and it's going to be really interesting looking at how he's represented in Jane Austen and Heyer's novels.
Of course, I'm going to make everyone I know read it when I'm done. It won't be the most amazing dissertation you'll have ever read, but hopefully it'll be a bit of fun!
In other news, I'm discovering a passion for cooking again. I really really really like baking (I made a splended apple pie last night!) and I want to learn how to cook savoury foods as well. It's a lot more fun when there are other people cooking with you though, or if you have lots of people to cook for. Dinner parties at my house anyone? ♥
A picture post will be coming soon: I spent the last week in Chester with jezzifishie and calnen and it was absolutely wonderful. We went to Wales for the day and visited an amazing castle with lots of tall towers! We also made a lot of delicious meals: apple pie (Lucy taught me how to make them), roast beef, beef sammiches and beef stew! It was really nice spending time with them and being introduced to a new place. Chester is also home to a Hello Kitty shop so I imagine I'll be going back quite a lot!
Term starts in a couple of weeks, thank goodness. I'm actually really excited about starting university again - I'll finally have something to do!
P.S. For anyone who hasn't heard Shakira's old music, do so now. She used to sound like Pink!
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location: Martin's room
feeling:  cheerful
listening to: Shakiiraaa in my head
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Comments
Which Heyer? I would LOVE to read your Dandy based dissertations adn if you come across any exciting books/information on Brummell I'd love to hear that too!!
You're doing the best degree ever!
I want to use them ALL but so far I'm doing 'Friday's Child' (Sherry and his chums are going to be PERFECT for looking at the different 'types' of dandy!) and 'Regency Buck'. There are a few other of Heyer's books I'm going to look at but I need to decide which one applies the most - I want to keep it fairly limited so I don't waffle too much (like I'm doing now, hehe)!
English is the best degree - don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
 | | From: | isie |
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| Date: | September 19th, 2007 - 08:15 am |
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Glad you're finding your research so interesting :D
Seeing you soon! *spazzes*
*spazzes all over Isie's FACE*
How's yours coming along? <3
| | From: | isie |
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| Date: | September 19th, 2007 - 09:03 am |
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Not as good as yours, I've done some but I'm struggling to get motivated being at home. Get me in the big fat uni library and I'll be fine :)
I've got that huge book about Beau Brummel if you ever need to borrow it-the one that doubles as a draft excluder.
Ohhh! Who's it by? I would love to borrow it off you at some if you're sure you don't mind!
It's by Ian Kelly-you know he had a cameo role in the BB tv film-the James Purefoy one.
I think I may have that one - I recognise the authors name anyhoo. It came out quite recently didn't it?
I say that it's amazing that you've done so much already and you'll be so proud of yourself when your done! Most people watch telly - sacha reads about fops! See! Loves!
It is because I am AMAZING Bex-ooo.
I'm glad I'm not the only saddo who is enjoying her research. If I get to do the MA I want, I will get to read about VICTORIANS all day - I have some amazing new books on my wishlist (whores, and crime and executions and all sorts!)
We can make chicken stew together as well :D
Yay for stew! I keep finding things that would be perfect for your dissertation, hehe. In fact, I have a book about Victorians and Sexuality (currently with Jamie at the moment) which may be useful to you :D
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