Pete Orford
@peteorford.bsky.social
English Lecturer and Course Director of the MA in Charles Dickens Studies. 'The Life of the Author: Charles Dickens' available to buy at https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-life-of-the-author-charles-dickens/pete-orford/9781119697459
Reposted by Pete Orford
I think the greatest gift college professors in the humanities can give to students right now is a seminar room where, for 80 minutes twice a week, nothing that happens to them is a sales pitch for an AI product.
February 11, 2026 at 8:45 PM
I think the greatest gift college professors in the humanities can give to students right now is a seminar room where, for 80 minutes twice a week, nothing that happens to them is a sales pitch for an AI product.
Reposted by Pete Orford
You’d think that teaching and writing about books wouldn’t be that high risk a profession… and yet!!
Australian Census on University Staff Wellbeing results are out. Every uni recorded scores indicating high/very high psych risk.
And in news surprising no one, "only senior execs and deans rated their workplaces as medium or low risk while all other staff groups reported high-risk conditions."
And in news surprising no one, "only senior execs and deans rated their workplaces as medium or low risk while all other staff groups reported high-risk conditions."
February 12, 2026 at 6:38 AM
You’d think that teaching and writing about books wouldn’t be that high risk a profession… and yet!!
Today I discovered that my edition of "Pictures from Italy" for @academic.oup.com has been reviewed - very positively I might add - in @thetls.bsky.social . You can be damn sure that "engrossingly readable" will be making a prominent appearance in my next performance review...
February 11, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Today I discovered that my edition of "Pictures from Italy" for @academic.oup.com has been reviewed - very positively I might add - in @thetls.bsky.social . You can be damn sure that "engrossingly readable" will be making a prominent appearance in my next performance review...
Reposted by Pete Orford
Innnnnnteresting.
Mozilla will allow Firefox users to entirely block current and future generative AI features on the browser after user feedback revealed many who wanted an AI-free browser experience.
New Mozilla Firefox version to allow AI features to be blocked
Mozilla will allow Firefox users to entirely block current and future generative AI features on the browser.
www.siliconrepublic.com
February 8, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Innnnnnteresting.
Reposted by Pete Orford
PhD students in the UK with a Victorianist bent will want to take particular note of the placement titled "Illustrated Newspapers: Beyond the Illustrated London News": cdn.sanity.io/files/v5dwki...
@rs4vp.org #Victorian
@rs4vp.org #Victorian
February 5, 2026 at 8:43 AM
PhD students in the UK with a Victorianist bent will want to take particular note of the placement titled "Illustrated Newspapers: Beyond the Illustrated London News": cdn.sanity.io/files/v5dwki...
@rs4vp.org #Victorian
@rs4vp.org #Victorian
Reposted by Pete Orford
Best novelist in PMG's 1885 '10 Greatest Living Englishmen' poll throws up more surprises, for a paper of the London clubland. Wilkie Collins on top (346), only just ahead of William Black, & Walter Besant. Hardy a distant 9th (a mere 20 votes), Meredith (9). 5 in desperation for the dead Trollope.
January 31, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Best novelist in PMG's 1885 '10 Greatest Living Englishmen' poll throws up more surprises, for a paper of the London clubland. Wilkie Collins on top (346), only just ahead of William Black, & Walter Besant. Hardy a distant 9th (a mere 20 votes), Meredith (9). 5 in desperation for the dead Trollope.
Reposted by Pete Orford
This Saturday, join us for a wonderful free online conference celebrating Dickens's birthday: www.dickenssociety.org/the-cricket/...
Novel Beginnings: Charles Dickens Birthday Virtual Conference — The Dickens Society
Following the success of the virtual memorial conference, ‘Dickens and Death’, the Dickens Society is pleased to announce another virtual conference; ‘Novel Beginnings; Charles Dickens Birthday Virtua...
www.dickenssociety.org
February 2, 2026 at 3:20 PM
This Saturday, join us for a wonderful free online conference celebrating Dickens's birthday: www.dickenssociety.org/the-cricket/...
Reposted by Pete Orford
The early twentieth century is about the last time a professional illustrator might not have a dinosaur reference at hand and instead relied on the author's similes. Thus this Megalosaurus/Allosaurus in the Je Sais Tout serial of The Lost World. Conan Doyle says the dinosaur resembled a toad.
January 30, 2026 at 8:03 AM
The early twentieth century is about the last time a professional illustrator might not have a dinosaur reference at hand and instead relied on the author's similes. Thus this Megalosaurus/Allosaurus in the Je Sais Tout serial of The Lost World. Conan Doyle says the dinosaur resembled a toad.
Reposted by Pete Orford
My latest paper with Hugo Bowles and Claire Wood examines a Dickens mystery: did he author the recently decoded story “The Two Brothers”? The answer is complicated. The paper showcases our new method, LambdaG (forthcoming!).
Investigating a Dickens mystery
My latest paper with Hugo Bowles and Claire Wood examines a Dickens mystery: did he author the recently decoded story “The Two Brothers”? The answer is complicated. The paper showcases our new method, LambdaG (forthcoming!). The paper can be found here or the free accepted version is here.
andreanini.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:19 PM
My latest paper with Hugo Bowles and Claire Wood examines a Dickens mystery: did he author the recently decoded story “The Two Brothers”? The answer is complicated. The paper showcases our new method, LambdaG (forthcoming!).
Reposted by Pete Orford
Calling all the PhDs I know to make monumental annoyances of themselves (and honestly, who better)
January 21, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Calling all the PhDs I know to make monumental annoyances of themselves (and honestly, who better)
Reposted by Pete Orford
In any other context, requiring a high-productivity sector to offshore the production of its highest value-added exports would be seen as the economic illiteracy it so obviously is...
www.ft.com/content/a23c...
www.ft.com/content/a23c...
UK drops target for international student recruitment
Government to encourage education providers to open campuses overseas as it focuses on reducing migration
www.ft.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:01 AM
In any other context, requiring a high-productivity sector to offshore the production of its highest value-added exports would be seen as the economic illiteracy it so obviously is...
www.ft.com/content/a23c...
www.ft.com/content/a23c...
Reposted by Pete Orford
"Bibliophiles will be able to read in libraries at Wightwick Manor, Powis Castle, mid Wales, and Kingston Lacy, Dorset."
#books #reading #heritage #library
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
#books #reading #heritage #library
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
‘We want people to sit, pause, relax’: National Trust to open its libraries for public use
Charity plans to make stately homes more welcoming by inviting visitors to use furniture and reading rooms
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:16 AM
"Bibliophiles will be able to read in libraries at Wightwick Manor, Powis Castle, mid Wales, and Kingston Lacy, Dorset."
#books #reading #heritage #library
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
#books #reading #heritage #library
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Pete Orford
'With the Ucas application deadline around the corner on Wednesday 14 January, thousands more will be considering whether doing the same might be worth it for them, too.
More than 700,000 "commuter students" are at universities across the UK.' 1/2
More than 700,000 "commuter students" are at universities across the UK.' 1/2
My three-hour university commute is worth the £7,000 saving on halls
Over a third of students choose not to live at university, latest figures suggest - but is it worth it?
www.bbc.co.uk
January 11, 2026 at 12:15 PM
'With the Ucas application deadline around the corner on Wednesday 14 January, thousands more will be considering whether doing the same might be worth it for them, too.
More than 700,000 "commuter students" are at universities across the UK.' 1/2
More than 700,000 "commuter students" are at universities across the UK.' 1/2
Dickens's works have a long history of being presented in a myriad of forms: serialised instalments, novels, weekly journals, plays, cigarette cards, radio dramas, films, television, computer games...
...and hot dog stands?!?
...and hot dog stands?!?
January 7, 2026 at 8:08 AM
Dickens's works have a long history of being presented in a myriad of forms: serialised instalments, novels, weekly journals, plays, cigarette cards, radio dramas, films, television, computer games...
...and hot dog stands?!?
...and hot dog stands?!?
Reposted by Pete Orford
'Despite persistent myths, employment rates for humanities graduates are comparable to those of STEM graduates, as Humanities Indicators data shows. Early earnings differ but the salary gap narrows significantly mid-career, particularly for graduates who pursue further study'. 1/2
How universities can cultivate arts and humanities in practical, affordable ways
Are the arts and humanities still needed as universities retrench staff and cut costs? Patty Raun explains why curtailing or eliminating these disciplines is an egregious mistake
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:46 AM
'Despite persistent myths, employment rates for humanities graduates are comparable to those of STEM graduates, as Humanities Indicators data shows. Early earnings differ but the salary gap narrows significantly mid-career, particularly for graduates who pursue further study'. 1/2
Reposted by Pete Orford
Open up this picture fully.
Then look at the surface of Mars.
Then look up to the top right.
Spot Mars' moon Phobos high in the sky.
Then notice the bright spot beside Phobos.
That's Earth.
Then look at the surface of Mars.
Then look up to the top right.
Spot Mars' moon Phobos high in the sky.
Then notice the bright spot beside Phobos.
That's Earth.
December 30, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Open up this picture fully.
Then look at the surface of Mars.
Then look up to the top right.
Spot Mars' moon Phobos high in the sky.
Then notice the bright spot beside Phobos.
That's Earth.
Then look at the surface of Mars.
Then look up to the top right.
Spot Mars' moon Phobos high in the sky.
Then notice the bright spot beside Phobos.
That's Earth.
Reposted by Pete Orford
In celebration of Southwark’s literary heritage:
www.dickensfellowship.org/index.php/ce...
www.dickensfellowship.org/index.php/ce...
Unveiling of the Golden Dog & Pot statue
A worldwide association of people who share an interest in the life and works of Charles Dickens
www.dickensfellowship.org
December 29, 2025 at 8:26 PM
In celebration of Southwark’s literary heritage:
www.dickensfellowship.org/index.php/ce...
www.dickensfellowship.org/index.php/ce...
Reposted by Pete Orford
Obit for Michael Slater in the @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/books/2025/d...
Michael Slater obituary
Scholar of Charles Dickens who wrote a definitive biography and shone a light on the writer’s more neglected works
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Obit for Michael Slater in the @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/books/2025/d...
Reposted by Pete Orford
Tiny Tim, who did NOT die
He destroyed his cage
Yes
YES
Tiny Tim is out
He destroyed his cage
Yes
YES
Tiny Tim is out
"My name is Tiny Tim, who did NOT die,
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
‘It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite, Tiny Tim who did NOT die, when Ali announced that the archbishop had come to see me’
December 26, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Tiny Tim, who did NOT die
He destroyed his cage
Yes
YES
Tiny Tim is out
He destroyed his cage
Yes
YES
Tiny Tim is out
Reposted by Pete Orford
This Is Just To Say
I have eaten
Tiny
Tim, who did
NOT die,
and who
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
he was delicious
so sweet
and so cold
I have eaten
Tiny
Tim, who did
NOT die,
and who
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
he was delicious
so sweet
and so cold
"My name is Tiny Tim, who did NOT die,
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
‘It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite, Tiny Tim who did NOT die, when Ali announced that the archbishop had come to see me’
December 26, 2025 at 8:24 AM
This Is Just To Say
I have eaten
Tiny
Tim, who did
NOT die,
and who
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
he was delicious
so sweet
and so cold
I have eaten
Tiny
Tim, who did
NOT die,
and who
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
he was delicious
so sweet
and so cold
"My name is Tiny Tim, who did NOT die,
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
‘It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite, Tiny Tim who did NOT die, when Ali announced that the archbishop had come to see me’
Sue silently took her companion’s hand, and with eyes on each other they heard these passing remarks—the quaint and mysterious personality of Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, being a subject which formed a large ingredient in the hints and innuendoes.
December 25, 2025 at 9:46 PM
"My name is Tiny Tim, who did NOT die,
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
Reposted by Pete Orford
Fred Barnard depicted the same moment in one of his Character Sketches from Dickens (1885). The differences are intriguing, though, with Bob & Tim much more exuberant (Tim with his crutch aloft!) in Barnard's version.
December 22, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Fred Barnard depicted the same moment in one of his Character Sketches from Dickens (1885). The differences are intriguing, though, with Bob & Tim much more exuberant (Tim with his crutch aloft!) in Barnard's version.
Reposted by Pete Orford
"Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim". Charles Green illustration for Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Pears' Christmas Annual 1892 (Day 5 of 7).
December 22, 2025 at 3:02 PM
"Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim". Charles Green illustration for Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Pears' Christmas Annual 1892 (Day 5 of 7).
Reposted by Pete Orford
The whole point of being an academic is that you need to be willing to spend three days creating a 700-word footnote that you will later delete. And you need to LIKE IT.
December 20, 2025 at 2:15 PM
The whole point of being an academic is that you need to be willing to spend three days creating a 700-word footnote that you will later delete. And you need to LIKE IT.