Paul Stephens
@paulstephens.bsky.social
Leverhulme ECF in English @ University of York (Romanticism and the Cost of Living 1780-1830). He/Him
• Former AHRC Postdoc Research Fellow, Lecturer, and DPhil @ University of Oxford.
https://www.york.ac.uk/english/people/paulstephens/
• Former AHRC Postdoc Research Fellow, Lecturer, and DPhil @ University of Oxford.
https://www.york.ac.uk/english/people/paulstephens/
Reposted by Paul Stephens
On this day in 1972, Lou Reed released his second solo studio album “Transformer” featuring “Walk on the Wild Side” “Perfect Day" “Satellite of Love” and “Vicious”
November 8, 2025 at 5:51 PM
On this day in 1972, Lou Reed released his second solo studio album “Transformer” featuring “Walk on the Wild Side” “Perfect Day" “Satellite of Love” and “Vicious”
Reposted by Paul Stephens
On this day in 1994, Nirvana released “MTV Unplugged in New York” consisting of mainly lesser-known material and cover versions of songs by the Vaselines, David Bowie, Lead Belly, and Meat Puppets.
November 1, 2025 at 1:46 PM
On this day in 1994, Nirvana released “MTV Unplugged in New York” consisting of mainly lesser-known material and cover versions of songs by the Vaselines, David Bowie, Lead Belly, and Meat Puppets.
Reposted by Paul Stephens
It appears that the Shelley Conference special issue of 'Romanticism' is currently available open access! Anna Mercer and I edited this issue, including essays by Nora Crook, Michael Rossington, @paulstephens.bsky.social, & more, from the 2022 Shelley Conference 🍂 www.euppublishing.com/toc/rom/30/1
Edinburgh University Press Journals - Table of Contents - rom: Vol 30, No 1
www.euppublishing.com
October 18, 2025 at 11:37 AM
It appears that the Shelley Conference special issue of 'Romanticism' is currently available open access! Anna Mercer and I edited this issue, including essays by Nora Crook, Michael Rossington, @paulstephens.bsky.social, & more, from the 2022 Shelley Conference 🍂 www.euppublishing.com/toc/rom/30/1
Reposted by Paul Stephens
Volume IV of the OUP edition of William Godwin’s letters, now at press, includes an extensive description of his 1816 visit to Abbotsford, together with four letters to Sir Walter Scott (d. OTD 1832), all written in 1824, the same year that Edwin Landseer painted this portrait of Scott at home.
September 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Volume IV of the OUP edition of William Godwin’s letters, now at press, includes an extensive description of his 1816 visit to Abbotsford, together with four letters to Sir Walter Scott (d. OTD 1832), all written in 1824, the same year that Edwin Landseer painted this portrait of Scott at home.
"Do not diet your mind with grief, it destroys the constitution; but let your chief care be of your health, and with that you will meet your share of Pleasure in the world—do not doubt it."
John Keats (letter to F. Keats, 23 Aug. 1820)
John Keats (letter to F. Keats, 23 Aug. 1820)
August 23, 2025 at 8:02 AM
"Do not diet your mind with grief, it destroys the constitution; but let your chief care be of your health, and with that you will meet your share of Pleasure in the world—do not doubt it."
John Keats (letter to F. Keats, 23 Aug. 1820)
John Keats (letter to F. Keats, 23 Aug. 1820)
Reposted by Paul Stephens
On this day in 1994, Portishead released their debut studio album “Dummy” featuring singles “Numb" “Sour Times" and “Glory Box"
August 22, 2025 at 5:20 AM
On this day in 1994, Portishead released their debut studio album “Dummy” featuring singles “Numb" “Sour Times" and “Glory Box"
Such is the folly of the world, and so do things seem different from what they are; since [...] Sir Timothy writhes under the fame of his incomparable son, as if it were the most grievous injury done to him; and so, perhaps, after all it will prove.
Mary Shelley (letter to Leigh Hunt, 22 Aug. 1824)
Mary Shelley (letter to Leigh Hunt, 22 Aug. 1824)
August 22, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Such is the folly of the world, and so do things seem different from what they are; since [...] Sir Timothy writhes under the fame of his incomparable son, as if it were the most grievous injury done to him; and so, perhaps, after all it will prove.
Mary Shelley (letter to Leigh Hunt, 22 Aug. 1824)
Mary Shelley (letter to Leigh Hunt, 22 Aug. 1824)
"I have been miserably unwell for the last three days — but [...], finding myself convalescent this morning, I bathed, and now am still better, having had a glorious tumble in the waves, though the water is still not cold enough for my liking."
S. T. Coleridge (letter to J. Gillman, 20 Aug. 1819)
S. T. Coleridge (letter to J. Gillman, 20 Aug. 1819)
August 20, 2025 at 10:28 AM
"I have been miserably unwell for the last three days — but [...], finding myself convalescent this morning, I bathed, and now am still better, having had a glorious tumble in the waves, though the water is still not cold enough for my liking."
S. T. Coleridge (letter to J. Gillman, 20 Aug. 1819)
S. T. Coleridge (letter to J. Gillman, 20 Aug. 1819)
Reposted by Paul Stephens
Sneaker Pimps released their debut album ‘Becoming X’ 29 years ago on August 19, 1996 | Listen to the album here: album.ink/SneakerPimpsBX
August 19, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Sneaker Pimps released their debut album ‘Becoming X’ 29 years ago on August 19, 1996 | Listen to the album here: album.ink/SneakerPimpsBX
[T]he snowy Alps [...] look like those accumulated clouds of dazzling white that arrange themselves on the horizon in summer. This immensity staggers the imagination, and [...] requires an effort of the understanding to believe that they are indeed mountains.
Mary Shelley (Journal, 19 Aug. 1814)
Mary Shelley (Journal, 19 Aug. 1814)
August 19, 2025 at 12:56 PM
[T]he snowy Alps [...] look like those accumulated clouds of dazzling white that arrange themselves on the horizon in summer. This immensity staggers the imagination, and [...] requires an effort of the understanding to believe that they are indeed mountains.
Mary Shelley (Journal, 19 Aug. 1814)
Mary Shelley (Journal, 19 Aug. 1814)
Our mossy seat in the deepest recesses of the wood was enclosed from the world by an impenetrable veil. On our return the postillion had departed without us; he left word that he expected to meet us on the road. We proceeded there upon foot to Maison Neuve
Mary Shelley (Journal, 18 Aug. 1814)
Mary Shelley (Journal, 18 Aug. 1814)
August 18, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Our mossy seat in the deepest recesses of the wood was enclosed from the world by an impenetrable veil. On our return the postillion had departed without us; he left word that he expected to meet us on the road. We proceeded there upon foot to Maison Neuve
Mary Shelley (Journal, 18 Aug. 1814)
Mary Shelley (Journal, 18 Aug. 1814)
Reposted by Paul Stephens
Released: August 17, 1959
Artist: Miles Davis
Album: Kind of Blue
Label: Columbia Records
www.albumadaycalendar.com
Artist: Miles Davis
Album: Kind of Blue
Label: Columbia Records
www.albumadaycalendar.com
August 17, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Released: August 17, 1959
Artist: Miles Davis
Album: Kind of Blue
Label: Columbia Records
www.albumadaycalendar.com
Artist: Miles Davis
Album: Kind of Blue
Label: Columbia Records
www.albumadaycalendar.com
Reposted by Paul Stephens
On this day in 1991, Nirvana shot the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video for under $50K, with real fans as the crowd. It went on to win MTV VMAs and became MTV Europe’s most-played video ever.
August 17, 2025 at 2:40 PM
On this day in 1991, Nirvana shot the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video for under $50K, with real fans as the crowd. It went on to win MTV VMAs and became MTV Europe’s most-played video ever.
"There is a paper of mine in the last Quarterly, upon the means of bettering the condition of the poor. You will be interested by a story which it contains of an old woman upon Exmoor. In Wordsworth’s blank-verse it would go to every heart"
Robert Southey (letter to C. H. Townshend, 17 Aug. 1816)
Robert Southey (letter to C. H. Townshend, 17 Aug. 1816)
August 17, 2025 at 10:24 AM
"There is a paper of mine in the last Quarterly, upon the means of bettering the condition of the poor. You will be interested by a story which it contains of an old woman upon Exmoor. In Wordsworth’s blank-verse it would go to every heart"
Robert Southey (letter to C. H. Townshend, 17 Aug. 1816)
Robert Southey (letter to C. H. Townshend, 17 Aug. 1816)
"If the funds break, it is my intention to go upon the highway. All the other English professions are at present so ungentlemanly by the conduct of those who follow them, that open robbing is the only fair resource left to a man of any principles"
Lord Byron (letter to J. Murray, 16 Aug. 1821)
Lord Byron (letter to J. Murray, 16 Aug. 1821)
August 16, 2025 at 10:11 AM
"If the funds break, it is my intention to go upon the highway. All the other English professions are at present so ungentlemanly by the conduct of those who follow them, that open robbing is the only fair resource left to a man of any principles"
Lord Byron (letter to J. Murray, 16 Aug. 1821)
Lord Byron (letter to J. Murray, 16 Aug. 1821)
Reposted by Paul Stephens
30 years ago today, Blind Melon released their second album, ‘Soup.’ Darker and more experimental than their debut, it featured tracks like “Galaxie” and “Mouthful of Cavities,” and later became a cult favorite in alternative rock.
August 15, 2025 at 3:40 PM
30 years ago today, Blind Melon released their second album, ‘Soup.’ Darker and more experimental than their debut, it featured tracks like “Galaxie” and “Mouthful of Cavities,” and later became a cult favorite in alternative rock.
Reposted by Paul Stephens
On this day in 1991, Nirvana played The Roxy in LA and invited fans to their first video shoot for ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ two days later. Hundreds came, cheered, and became part of music history forever.
August 15, 2025 at 5:15 PM
On this day in 1991, Nirvana played The Roxy in LA and invited fans to their first video shoot for ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ two days later. Hundreds came, cheered, and became part of music history forever.
I am convinced more and more every day that (excepting the human friend philosopher), a fine writer is the most genuine being in the world. Shakspeare and the Paradise lost every day become greater wonders to me. I look upon fine phrases like a lover.
John Keats (letter to B. Bailey, 15 Aug. 1819)
John Keats (letter to B. Bailey, 15 Aug. 1819)
August 15, 2025 at 7:30 AM
I am convinced more and more every day that (excepting the human friend philosopher), a fine writer is the most genuine being in the world. Shakspeare and the Paradise lost every day become greater wonders to me. I look upon fine phrases like a lover.
John Keats (letter to B. Bailey, 15 Aug. 1819)
John Keats (letter to B. Bailey, 15 Aug. 1819)
Our house is a delightful residence, something less than half a mile from the lake of Keswick and something more than a furlong from the town. [...] Skiddaw is behind us; to the left, the right, and in front mountains of all shapes and sizes.
S. T. Coleridge (letter to T. Poole, 14 Aug. 1800)
S. T. Coleridge (letter to T. Poole, 14 Aug. 1800)
August 14, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Our house is a delightful residence, something less than half a mile from the lake of Keswick and something more than a furlong from the town. [...] Skiddaw is behind us; to the left, the right, and in front mountains of all shapes and sizes.
S. T. Coleridge (letter to T. Poole, 14 Aug. 1800)
S. T. Coleridge (letter to T. Poole, 14 Aug. 1800)
Reposted by Paul Stephens
62 years ago today, Bob Dylan asked the questions that still echo through generations with “Blowin’ in the Wind.” A timeless anthem for peace, freedom, and the search for answers.
August 13, 2025 at 7:45 PM
62 years ago today, Bob Dylan asked the questions that still echo through generations with “Blowin’ in the Wind.” A timeless anthem for peace, freedom, and the search for answers.
I beg you will keep an account of money received and paid. Buy a little book ruled for the purpose, for pounds, shillings, and pence, and keep an account of cash received and expended. The balance ought to be cash in purse, if [...] regularly kept.
Walter Scott (letter to W. Scott Jn, 13 Aug. 1819)
Walter Scott (letter to W. Scott Jn, 13 Aug. 1819)
August 13, 2025 at 10:52 AM
I beg you will keep an account of money received and paid. Buy a little book ruled for the purpose, for pounds, shillings, and pence, and keep an account of cash received and expended. The balance ought to be cash in purse, if [...] regularly kept.
Walter Scott (letter to W. Scott Jn, 13 Aug. 1819)
Walter Scott (letter to W. Scott Jn, 13 Aug. 1819)
"It is strange that I look on the skulls which stand beside me (I have always had four in my study) without emotion, but I cannot strip the features of those I have known of their fleshy covering, even in idea, without a hideous sensation"
Lord Byron (letter to R. C. Dallas, 12 Aug. 1811)
Lord Byron (letter to R. C. Dallas, 12 Aug. 1811)
August 12, 2025 at 9:36 AM
"It is strange that I look on the skulls which stand beside me (I have always had four in my study) without emotion, but I cannot strip the features of those I have known of their fleshy covering, even in idea, without a hideous sensation"
Lord Byron (letter to R. C. Dallas, 12 Aug. 1811)
Lord Byron (letter to R. C. Dallas, 12 Aug. 1811)
There would, perhaps, be no means so effectual as that (which will never be listened to) of taxing the manufacturers according to the number of hands which they employ on an average, and applying the produce in maintaining the manufacturing poor.
Walter Scott (letter to J. Morritt, 11 Aug. 1817)
Walter Scott (letter to J. Morritt, 11 Aug. 1817)
August 11, 2025 at 8:53 PM
There would, perhaps, be no means so effectual as that (which will never be listened to) of taxing the manufacturers according to the number of hands which they employ on an average, and applying the produce in maintaining the manufacturing poor.
Walter Scott (letter to J. Morritt, 11 Aug. 1817)
Walter Scott (letter to J. Morritt, 11 Aug. 1817)
Reposted by Paul Stephens
Remembering Jerry Garcia today on the 30th anniversary of his passing (August 9, 1995) | Explore the Grateful Dead frontman's musical legacy (including audio & video highlights) here: album.ink/JGarciaRIP
August 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Remembering Jerry Garcia today on the 30th anniversary of his passing (August 9, 1995) | Explore the Grateful Dead frontman's musical legacy (including audio & video highlights) here: album.ink/JGarciaRIP
[T]he fireworks were splendent [...] in trees and all shapes, spreading about like young stars in the making, floundering about in Space (like unbroke horses) till some of Newton’s calculations should fix them, but then they went out.
Charles Lamb (letter to W. Wordsworth, 9 Aug. 1814)
Charles Lamb (letter to W. Wordsworth, 9 Aug. 1814)
August 9, 2025 at 10:57 AM
[T]he fireworks were splendent [...] in trees and all shapes, spreading about like young stars in the making, floundering about in Space (like unbroke horses) till some of Newton’s calculations should fix them, but then they went out.
Charles Lamb (letter to W. Wordsworth, 9 Aug. 1814)
Charles Lamb (letter to W. Wordsworth, 9 Aug. 1814)