This is the first in a series of public debates and conversations in 2011 about academic books of major importance. This event will revolve around Stefan Collini’s book Absent Minds: Intellectuals in Britain. On its publication in 2006, the book attracted extensive comment for its analysis of the concept of the intellectual and its exploration of the traditional claim that ‘real’ intellectuals have not existed in Britain (or, more often, England). For this event, four younger scholars from various disciplines will reflect on the significance of the book and its bearing on their own work. In conversation with the author they will move beyond the immediate reception of the book and consider its subject-matter in a series of longer perspectives.

Speakers to include:

Stefan Collini (Cambridge)
Matthew Beaumont (English, UCL)
Joel Isaac (History QMUL)
Clarisse Berthezčne (Institut Charles V, Université Paris)
Jonathan Derbyshire (New Statesman)
Joanna Bourke (Birkbeck) Chair

This event has been recorded and is available as a podcast at the following URL:

http://backdoorbroadcasting.net/2011/05/talking-books-absent-minds-intellectuals-in-britain/