Professor Stefan Collini re-examines the history of the activity of literary criticism and discipline of English Literature. In the 250 years since the founding of the Chair of Rhetoric and Belles-Lettres at Edinburgh University, the activity of literary criticism and discipline of English Literature have had a tangled, complex and at times uneasy, even antagonistic, relationship. This lecture will re-examine this history, focussing particularly on the question of the various publics addresed by criticism, in its literary-journalistic as well as academic forms. Coming up to the present (and even the future), Stefan Collini will explore the plurality of contemporary audiences for criticism and will challenge pessimistic accounts of 'the disappearance of the reading public'. Stefan Collini is Professor of Intellectual History and English Literature at Cambridge University, and a Fellow of the British Academy. He is also a frequent contributor to The Guardian, The London Review of Books, The Times Literary Supplement, The Nation, and other publications, as well as an occasional broadcaster. In 2012, the University's English Literature department celebrates its 250th anniversary. We're marking the occasion with exhibitions, events, talks, readings and seminars throughout the year. Recorded on Thursday 24 May 2012 at the University of Edinburgh's George Square Lecture Theatre.

Dr Olga Taxidou (The University of Edinburgh), Peter Arnott (Resident Playwright, Genomics Forum) and David Maclennan (Director, Oran Mor) discuss Drama, the university and performance in Scotland. Recorded 20 March 2012. Audio version.

Professor William Christie (University of Sydney) and Dr Alan Gillis (The University of Edinburgh) discuss ‘The Edinburgh Review: Then and Now’. Recorded 16 March 2012. Audio version.

Professor Deidre Lynch (Chancellor Jackman Professor of English, University of Toronto) talks about Daniel Wilson, Scotland and Canada: the export of English. Recorded 6 March 2012. Audio version.

Professor Alistair Fowler (Emeritus Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature) and Professor Greg Walker (Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature) discuss their experience, past and present, of the Regis Chair of English literature. Recorded 21 February 2012. Audio version.

Poets and critics read Burns, discuss the Bard in the city, and describe what his work has meant to them personally. Recorded Wednesday 25 January 2012. Audio version. Listen to podcast

Professor Nigel Leask discusses with Professor Susan Manning the development of literary study in Scotland in the nineteenth century, and some of the key figures involved. Recorded Tuesday 7 February 2012. Audio version. Listen to podcast

Dr James Loxley describes the reception and influence of Shakespeare's work in Scotland, including around Hugh Blair's time. Recorded Friday 17 February 2012. Audio version. Listen to podcast

Professor Susan Manning, Dr Bob Irvine, Professor Randall Stevenson discuss Hugh Blair's appointment to the first Regius Chair of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres in 1762, and the literary ambience at the time, including in the work of Burns. Recorded Friday 3 February 2012. Audio version. Listen to podcast