Sign in

Ben Davies

@bendavies.bsky.social
2K followers 674 following 95 posts

Contemporary Literature, Novels, Theory, Time, Reading, Sociology of Literature.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ben Davies
Adrian Streete @profastreete.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Books matter; reading matters. She knew that, and did something incredible. RIP #DollyParton
0152
Reposted by Ben Davies
Michael H Whitworth @profmhwhitworth.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Sarah Dillon on an unpublished story by Alan Turing — a full account has appeared in Review of English Studies www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
theguardian.com
Racy short story by Alan Turing offers glimpse of ‘playful, funny, cheeky’ side
Writing from year after gross indecency arrest challenges ‘isolated mathematician’ image, says Cambridge academic
1102
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
#EnglishCreates This week, Christopher Nolan brings The Odyssey to the screen, reimagining one of the greatest literary epics ever written. An English graduate, Nolan embodies the power of literary study: developing the imagination, critical thinking, and storytelling skills that shape our world.
1149
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
@Hetanshah.bsky.social @universities-uk.bsky.social
hetanshah.bsky.social
Hetan Shah (@hetanshah.bsky.social)
Chief Executive, The British Academy Chair, Our World in Data Board, National Audit Office Visiting Professor in Practice, LSE Visiting Professor, Kings College London Fellow, Birkbeck College Views ...
011
Reposted by Ben Davies
The English Association @englishassociation.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The EA, the Institute of English Studies, & University English are holding an online #emergency summit for all English colleagues to address the proliferation of redundancies, restructurings, other significant challenges to our & cognate disciplines across the sector. 👇🏼 mailchi.mp/1b1ef2d5a8a3...
mailchi.mp
Emergency Action On… the Situation for English (10:00 - 12:00, 16 July 2026)
01715
Reposted by Ben Davies
Prof. Liz Oakley-Brown @earlymodlancs.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Upcoming Emergency Summit: 16 July 2026 jointly organised by @ies-sas.bsky.social @englishassociation.bsky.social @univeng.bsky.social "Emergency Action On...the Situation for English" Details here: mailchi.mp/1b1ef2d5a8a3...
mailchi.mp
Emergency Action On… the Situation for English (10:00 - 12:00, 16 July 2026)
1129
Reposted by Ben Davies
Gail Marshall @gailmarshall.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Please sign to support our colleagues in Exeter: c.org/S2rqgTwcgb
c.org
Sign the Petition
Stop Redundancies at the University of Exeter
011
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
At a Parliamentary Breakfast last week, UE & partner groups met leaders across sectors to promote English’s national importance. The Breakfast was an opportunity to change the public conversation about English & celebrate its vital socio-economic role: universityenglish.ac.uk/charter-for-...
041
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
This week, Andy Burnham – an English graduate with a love of poetry – stepped closer to becoming Prime Minister. Andy’s remarkable journey embodies the central message of the #EnglishCreates campaign: this subject has the potential to enrich lives, open up opportunities, and shape the future.
03115
Ben Davies @bendavies.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
It was a pleasure to organise this with @clarelees.bsky.social @ies-sas.bsky.social, Nigel Newton (Bloomsbury) and colleagues from @englishassociation.bsky.social & @univeng.bsky.social universityenglish.ac.uk/charter-for-... #englishCreates
universityenglish.ac.uk
Charter for Change launched at Westminster
3177
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
As part of our AI month, University of Reading students explore AI in English through blogs, memes & short videos. They tackle creativity, bias & manipulation - neither pro nor anti, but curious, critical & often funny. First meme by Charlotte Wong, Hanna Fischer & Sin Ka Lau -share your thoughts!
021
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
This month’s #EnglishCreates content will be curated by students from the module “Language and Digital Media” at the Uni of Reading (led by Prof Rodney Jones). They explore AI in English studies through blogs, memes & short videos, reflecting critically, creatively, and with humour. Stay tuned!
064
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today, Dr Shafquat Towheed (The Open University) asks a crucial question: Will we still be reading English literature in the future? Despite numerous challenges, he suggests that the answers are more promising than we might assume... universityenglish.ac.uk/will-we-stil...
055
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today's post features a range of rich and inspiring reflections on the life-long benefits of studying English, shared by graduates of The Open University: universityenglish.ac.uk/open-univers...
134
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures As part of our current series on English Studies and lifelong learning, Topsy Page (Oracy Cambridge) discusses the increasing importance of oracy in education: universityenglish.ac.uk/4757-2/
universityenglish.ac.uk
Oracy: a bridge between school learning and the wider world
011
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
We are thrilled to announce Professor Elleke Boehmer (University of Oxford) as the keynote speaker for the upcoming #EnglishCreates: Futures online symposium. Join us for this pivotal conversation about the future of English. Registration is free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/englishcre...
022
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures In today's post, Professor Philip Seargeant (The Open University) reflects on how English Studies connects us to heritage, place, cultural networks and commemoration: universityenglish.ac.uk/how-a-geogra...
084
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Lecturers, teachers, students, writers, HE professionals - anyone with an interest in English studies: you are warmly invited to attend the EnglishCreates: Futures Online Symposium (2nd July, from 10am). Register for your (free) place here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/englishcre...
1710
Reposted by Ben Davies
Katie da Cunha Lewin @kdclewin.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
So proud to publish this amazing new collection @c21literature.bsky.social. Read here for writing on the literary sad girl, technology, wikipedia, time and stuckness, brexlit and much more
c21.openlibhums.org
C21 Literature: Journal of 21st-Century Writings | Issue: Issue: 3(12) The Century at 25 (2026)
1156
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures The final post in our 'Varieties of English' series comes from Miriam Levy (BA English Literature | University of Sheffield): 'The connections that appear when we broaden our perspectives are bountiful and impacting.' universityenglish.ac.uk/the-subtle-n...
012
Reposted by Ben Davies
Chris Lloyd @cilloyd.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Hey Bluesky folks. If you’re in education or just follow for my thirst traps, would you please sign this if you can, and share far and wide? c.org/dCKk9vjqxY It’s much appreciated. My university is cancelling all UG humanities degrees. We need support and love right now x
c.org
Sign the Petition
Save the Humanities at the University of Hertfordshire
68377
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Have you signed up for the #EnglishCreates summer symposium? This free online event brings together colleagues across Literature, Language & Creative Writing to tackle the challenges facing English - and imagine what comes next. Join us: your view matters. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/englishcre...
1913
Reposted by Ben Davies
Modern Language Association @modernlanguage.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
In the lawsuit by the MLA, @acls1919.bsky.social, & @historians.org, the court has ruled that termination by the NEH of grants to support scholars, research institutions, and humanities organizations was “unlawful, unconstitutional, ultra vires, and without legal effect.” www.mla.org/Resources/Ad...
“In a time when it is increasingly urgent to provide a human context for decisions in science, tech, health, and more, we now have a confirmation that the work our members do is essential.” Paula M. Krebs
214371
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures 'Varieties of English' concludes with a series of posts on Elizabeth Bishop, curated by Dr Jonathan Ellis (University of Sheffield). The series will also feature posts by students who were involved in the project - watch this space! universityenglish.ac.uk/the-art-form...
085
Reposted by Ben Davies
Plashing Vole @plashingvole.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
I would like to say a public thank-you to colleagues at @ies-sas.bsky.social, the English Association and University English for their support for my colleagues and department as we face a rapid unscheduled disassembly - the practical advice and support offered is wonderful, and we're so grateful.
315119
Reposted by Ben Davies
Institute of English Studies @ies-sas.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The IES, English Association @englishassociation.bsky.social and University English @univeng.bsky.social are always available to support colleagues throughout the sector in these challenging times. There's more information on our website here: ies.sas.ac.uk/leadership-c...
ies.sas.ac.uk
Supporting English Departments
What IES is doing to help departments cope with challenging times.
12915
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Maria-Sabina De Souza - a student in English with Creative Writing at Goldsmiths - discusses The Deep by Rivers Solomon: 'The Deep negotiates how communities grapple with remembering, mourning, preservation, and shared history.' universityenglish.ac.uk/books-that-m...
universityenglish.ac.uk
Books That Matter: The Deep by Rivers Solomon
022
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today Shiksha Thard, our final Goldsmiths student contributor, discusses the impact of reading Patti Smith's memoir Just Kids: 'I wanted to be in that time and space to see how the world was.' universityenglish.ac.uk/books-that-m...
033
Ben Davies @bendavies.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
#EnglishCreates @ies-sas.bsky.social @englishassociation.bsky.social @literacy-trust.bsky.social
010
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today, Yasmina Snyder - a current English student at Goldsmiths - discusses Janet Fitch’s White Oleander: 'This the novel that made me want to begin writing about Los Angeles myself, and afforded me the vocabulary to do so.' universityenglish.ac.uk/books-that-m...
012
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Lee Mayer - a current UG student in English w/ Creative Writing at Goldsmiths - writes about discovering Tony Kushner's Angels in America: 'I love how Kushner balances fantastical and otherworldly imagery with political commentary.' universityenglish.ac.uk/books-that-m...
universityenglish.ac.uk
Books That Matter: Angels in America by Tony Kushner
011
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures This week, we'll be featuring a series of posts by current English BA students at Goldsmiths. Nabila Ahmed kicks things off with some prescient reflections on encountering Edward Said's 'Orientalism' for the first time: universityenglish.ac.uk/books-that-m...
021
Ben Davies @bendavies.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
022
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Join us today for the first in a series of posts by Dr Sarah Olive (Aston University): 'Research shows that diverse representation benefits all readers: students who belong to majority communities and those that are minoritised.' universityenglish.ac.uk/diverse-lite...
033
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures This month's theme is 'Varieties of English' - a celebration of the richness and diversity of our subject in all its forms. We'll be featuring posts from English Studies colleagues and students across the UK. Stay tuned! July symposium: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/englishcre...
eventbrite.co.uk
#EnglishCreates: Futures 2026 Online Symposium
Join the #EnglishCreates 2026 Online Symposium for a wide-ranging conversation about the futures of English Studies.
043
Reposted by Ben Davies
Institute of English Studies @ies-sas.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
There's still time to apply for an IES Fellowship starting in October 2026! You can apply for an ECR or Research fellowship, with terms from 6 months to 3 years. Application deadline: 10 April ies.sas.ac.uk/fellowships/...
ies.sas.ac.uk
Fellowship Applications and Renewals
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are now open.
022
Ben Davies @bendavies.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
It’s been an absolute pleasure being Chair of @univeng.bsky.social, working with great people to champion & support the discipline, including @ies-sas.bsky.social & @englishassociation.bsky.social Thanks to the Committee. Good luck to the new Chair Kate Walchester. You’ll be great. #EnglishCreates
1133
Reposted by Ben Davies
Elizabeth Draper @draperel @draperel.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
👇🏾👇🏾
022
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today, Dr Joseph Owen (Southampton) recounts a project on housing, heritage & identity: 'Heritage risks being reductively conceived if it encompasses only the built environment... It is here that poetry’s relevance becomes apparent.' universityenglish.ac.uk/poetic-socia...
012
Ben Davies @bendavies.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
The @univeng.bsky.social Spring Conference and AGM takes place on Fri (27 March) with a keynote by Professor Lieven Buysse, President of @essenglish.bsky.social. Sign up here: universityenglish.ac.uk/agm/ @ies-sas.bsky.social @englishassociation.bsky.social
004
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today's blog comes from Dr Aisha Jahan, a writer and lecturer in Creative Writing at Cardiff University. 'I am so honoured to be a part of these young writers’ journeys.' universityenglish.ac.uk/wales-nation... #EnglishStudies
034
Reposted by Ben Davies
The English Association @englishassociation.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Check out our upcoming range of events - free online 🙌 Book on now ! 😊 Including : On #collaboration - #science and #poetry Thinking Forwards: Collaboration - The Davy Notebooks - 15th May 13.00-14.00 On #oracy #Teaching Oracy through authentic classroom talk tasks - 21st May All welcome ! #CPD 😊
022
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Our series on 'Communities' continues with an insightful post by Isaac Fraveshi – PhD student, poet, and artist at the Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities. 'Sticking together: collage as a community listening praxis': universityenglish.ac.uk/sticking-tog...
055
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures 'What can poetry offer to policy makers?' Today, Prof Nicky Marsh (University of Southampton) - the curator of this month's series on 'Communities' - asks how literary practice can help us to think about the 'pride in place' agenda: universityenglish.ac.uk/how-does-lit...
076
Reposted by Ben Davies
Institute of English Studies @ies-sas.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Applications for IES Fellowships in the 2026/27 academic year are now open! You can apply for an ECR or Research fellowship, with terms from 6 months to 3 years. The application deadline is 10 April. ies.sas.ac.uk/fellowships/...
ies.sas.ac.uk
Fellowship Applications and Renewals
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are now open.
01825
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today, Prof Stephanie Jones (Uni of Southampton) reflects on the process of shaping an interdisciplinary, cross-sector community: 'Shared language is powerful, possible and necessary for inclusive action.' universityenglish.ac.uk/subtle-and-s... #EnglishStudies
064
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today, Prof Will May (Uni of Southampton) reflects on the stories that poets tell about the people who make them poets: 'Understanding that poetry is a plural, collaborative process is also a way of reaffirming its inclusivity.' universityenglish.ac.uk/practicality...
042
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today, Prof Nicky Marsh (University of Southampton) introduces this month's theme, 'Communities': 'It is not just that literary culture is sustained by communities... but that communities themselves are sustained by literature' universityenglish.ac.uk/1-literature...
045
Reposted by Ben Davies
University English @univeng.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
#EnglishCreates: Futures Today, Dr JT Welsch (University of York) re-examines the so-called 'death of reading': 'Like most clickbait, these rants rest on a false opposition. There’s no real war between print and digital media.' universityenglish.ac.uk/death-of-rea... #EnglishStudies
076
Ben Davies @bendavies.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
This was fun to do with wonderful collaborators @jenniferacooke.bsky.social @bobeaglestone.bsky.social @gailmarshall.bsky.social CEO @englishassociation.bsky.social @jtwelsch.bsky.social #ReadingMatters @ies-sas.bsky.social
0104