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Irish Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Paul Clements on Forrest Reid, a 20th century author who is coming back into vogue
Forrest Reid's name may not be widely known to readers today but in his time he was a culturally important author of 17 novels, two autobiographies, essays, literary criticism and translation work. Born in Belfast 150 years ago, on June 24th, 1875, Reid was the youngest of 12 children – six of whom survived – and came from a middle-class Protestant family. His father was the manager of a felt works, later becoming involved in a failed shipping venture. On his mother's side he could claim descent from Catherine Parr – the last of the six wives of Henry VIII – and a source of pride to the young boy. Reid was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (known as 'Inst') founded in 1810. However, he was unable to continue with his education owing to his family's difficult financial circumstances, and in the early 1890s became apprenticed to the tea trade but found the work boring. His father died when he was young, and following the death of his mother in 1901, he inherited a small legacy which enabled him to enter Christ's College Cambridge graduating with a degree in medieval and modern languages. The Kingdom of Twilight, Reid's first novel came out in 1904, while his coming-of-age novel Following Darkness – known under the literary genre Bildungsroman – was published eight years later in 1912. A leitmotif in his writing is childhood and the loss of innocence. READ MORE Reid developed lifelong friendships with illustrious figures in the literary world, and by extension the Bloomsbury Group, made up of artists, writers and intellectuals who it is said ''ived in squares and loved in triangles.' He became a close friend of the poet and novelist Walter de la Mare, writing a critical study of him. In 1912, E. M. Forster, whom he met at Cambridge and whose novels include The Longest Journey, A Room with a View, and A Passage to India, wrote to Reid praising his third novel, The Bracknels, stating, 'the book has moved me a good deal'. For 35 years the two corresponded through several hundred letters and cards showing mutual affection in discussing literature and culture, as well as political crises such as the debate over the Third Home Rule Bill (1912-14). Letters from the American-British author Henry James offered Reid writing tips along with suggested book recommendations. But their friendship turned hostile after Reid dedicated to him his homoerotic novella The Garden God: A Tale of Two Boys. In a review of a biography of Reid published in 1980, the novelist V. S. Pritchett, noted that James 'was embarrassed and angered by the platonic eroticism of the book and broke off the relationship in a panic.' Aside from his novels, Reid published translations in the form of Poems from the Greek Anthology (1943) while his analysis of the work of W. B. Yeats (1915) is regarded as one of the best critical studies of the poet. A founder member of the Irish Academy of Letters, Reid was made honorary Doctor of Literature by Queen's University Belfast in 1933. For many decades his books disappeared from the literary canon, but this century has seen a renaissance of interest in his writing with at least 10 of his novels reissued in fresh editions since 2007. Several of his novels have been republished in the Faber Finds series which has also reprinted Sean O'Casey's Autobiographies. In Reid's autobiography, Apostate (1926), which he described as his 'chronicle of a prolonged personal adventure', he evokes locations around Belfast in the early 1880s. He recalls the subdued notes of a band playing in Ormeau Park, the sensory experience of a hot summer's day on the banks of the River Lagan, and a walk with his nurse through the Palm House Conservatory in Botanic Gardens which he called 'a tropical landscape'; all of this fed into his memories, expressing the dream visions of his rhythmic prose. A second autobiography, Private Road, was published in 1940 with an account of his Cambridge years, and of his meetings with the author, poet, and critic AE, the pseudonym of Geroge Russell. In that book he also scorned Henry James's 'strange moral timidity' in rejecting his earlier dedication. Reid penned essays on other writers including the playwright and novelist Seamus O'Kelly. Although he never attained huge commercial success, his work was well received. Irish authors, such as John McGahern, recognised the quality of his writing, admiring the way his prose captured specific scenes in his book Brian Westby (1934). In 1944 Reid's novel, Young Tom, was awarded the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize for the best work of fiction in that year. Three years later, on January 4th, 1947, he died of peritonitis at Warrenpoint in Co Down. Today a plaque marks his last Belfast home while his memory survives in his old school where a Forrest Reid Memorial Prize for Creative Writing is awarded each year.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Two new millipede species discovered in Western Ghats regions of Maharashtra and Kerala
Pune: Two new species of millipedes have been added to India's arthropod diversity after their discovery in Western Ghats regions, namely Karad in Maharashtra and in Kerala. The discovery of the two species — named Polydrepanum xiphosum and Polydrepanum spinatum — by a team of Indian scientists was published in the New Zealand-based journal Zootaxa on May 24 this year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The development takes the count of India's millipede species to 270, over 70% of which are endemic. Both newly found species belong to the genus Polydrepanum in the Paradoxosomatidae family. Now, the genus includes six recognised and extant species — all exclusive to the Western Ghats, which is a biodiversity hotspot. This discovery highlights the importance of conserving microhabitats within the Western Ghats, which is crucial for sustaining unique and ecologically significant species, said researchers. The study stated: "The findings highlight the region's status as a global biodiversity hotspot and the importance of its often-overlooked soil-dwelling invertebrates." Research team member Dr Aparna Sureshchandra Kalawate from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Pune, told TOI, "This discovery took almost five months of rigorous work, from field collection activity in Karad and parts of Kerala to comparing them with existing taxonomic records. It became evident they didn't match any known species. We believe there may be many more such species awaiting discovery in the Ghats. " Besides Kalawate, the team comprised Dr Sudhikumar Ambalaparambil, head of the zoology department at Christ College, Irinjalakuda (Kerala), and research scholars Muhsina Musthafa (Christ College) and Pooja Misal (Shivaji University, Kolhapur). The team is currently collecting more samples and furthering their study to find different species in the Western Ghats. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Elaborating on the importance of the tiny creatures they are studying, Kalawate shared, "Millipedes, though small and often unseen, play a crucial role in the ecosystem. As decomposers, they feed on decaying plant matter and enhance soil quality by stimulating microbial activity and releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen into the soil." Millipedes are vital components of the food chain for other invertebrates as well, said the researcher, adding, "Despite their importance, millipedes are under threat due to increasing soil pollution, land-use changes, concrete encroachment, and the overuse of fertilisers and industrial waste." The research team shared, "Millipedes are the largest macro arthropods and also known as 'indicators of environmental alteration or conditions'. They have an important role in the ecosystem, especially in the food chain, as a 'decomposer'. Although only 10% of total decomposition of plant litter within an ecosystem takes place through millipedes, their feeding enhances microbial activities, resulting in the breakdown of litter up to 90%. " Millipedes are typically found in moist environments, such as beneath decaying leaves, in the soil, and in damp areas. The scientists emphasised the need to conserve moist microhabitats in the Western Ghats — leaf litter, decaying logs, and forest soil — that are essential for the survival of these non-venomous, harmless invertebrates.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Thavanish Club extends support to students
The Thavanish Club, the social arm of Christ College, recently extended a helping hand to students in Athirappilly through its 'Thanal: A Shade of Hope' programme. This initiative aims to uplift lives through acts of compassion by providing essential back-to-school supplies. A programme held at the Athirappilly Community Hall on Sunday as part of the initiative saw the distribution of school bags, books, and umbrellas to students in Athirappilly, ensuring they are well-equipped for the upcoming academic year. The event was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Dr. Jolly Andrews CMI, Principal of Christ College. K. K. Rijesh, president of Athirappilly grama panchayat, presided over.
Irish Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Irish student leads Cambridge team to victory on BBC's University Challenge
Dubliner Oscar Despard (22) captained a team from Christ's College Cambridge to victory in the final of the long-running BBC student quizshow University Challenge on Monday night. In a thrilling comeback, the Cambridge team – which trailed University of Warwick for most of the final – moved into the lead in the final minutes and won by the smallest margin possible: five points. The winning trophy was presented to Despard and his team-mates by the actor Sir Ian McKellen. Despard and his team – Linus Luu (maths), Brendan Bethlehem (linguistics) and Anniko Firman (classics) – watched the broadcast, which was pre-recorded, on a big screen during a special event in their college lecture theatre. READ MORE [ University Challenge Irish finalist: 'There's always a Shakespeare question, so I read his complete works' Opens in new window ] At home in south Dublin, where his father William owns The Bretzel Bakery in Portobello, another screening took place at his former sailing club in Dún Laoghaire. Anniko Firman, Brendan Bethlehem, Oscar Despard and Linus Luu of Christ's College Cambridge on University Challenge. Photograph: BBC/ITV Studios/Lifted Entertainment/Rik Lowe Despard said he has been surprised – and delighted – by how many people have been following his team's progress. 'Lots of people who I didn't think would be interested have been very enthusiastic and have been wishing us well, which has been very nice to see and to have,' he said. 'You then find out who all the people are [who watch University Challenge], all the other weird people who decide the best thing they can do with their Monday evenings is watch eight university students answer questions.' [ When people hear I won University Challenge they want to know what Paxman was really like Opens in new window ] While University Challenge is open to UK university teams, Ireland was well-represented this year. Another Dubliner, Kevin Flanagan from Dundrum, captained the team from the University of Bristol. The pair faced off in the semi-final, but remain firm friends. Queen's University Belfast also performed strongly, reaching the quarter-finals. Despard said he has long had a love for quizzes. Growing up, he watched The Chase with his grandmother, while he and his mother – Prof Niamh Moran of the Royal College of Surgeons – 'always watched University Challenge and Only Connect in particular'. A stellar Leaving Certificate performance helped bring Despard to Cambridge. He was one of just two students to achieve nine H1 grades in the 2021 Leaving Cert, and in 2020 he won the Individual Award at the BT Young Scientist competition. Oscar Despard in 2020 when he won the Individual Award at the BT Young Scientist competition. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell/The Irish Times The 22 year old, who is studying for a PhD in molecular biology, hopes to 'continue in some form of academic research' after completing his studies.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Liberal education in a rapidly changing world: academics to share their thoughts at The Huddle
What kind of an education will best prepare young people to understand themselves, make thoughtful life decisions, and navigate a rapidly changing world? At The Hindu Huddle session titled 'Well-rounded world view: Finding a place for liberal education', Bhavani S., the Dean of the School of Humanities and Performing Arts at Christ College, Ashoka University professors Jonathan Gill Harris and Srinath Raghavan, and the Azim Premji Foundation's managing editor Sudheesh Venkatesh will explore the increasing importance of a liberal education in today's complex world. The conversation will be moderated by Maya Thiagarajan, educator, teacher trainer, and founder of TREE. The Hindu Huddle will be held in Bengaluru on May 9 and 10. Through its broad, interdisciplinary nature, a liberal education helps students gain not just critical thinking skills but also the ability to better understand themselves and make thoughtful and ethical decisions. As we live through an AI revolution, increasing geopolitical complexity, and a frightening rise in mental health issues, young people need an education that prepares them for a very uncertain future. They need a broad world view and the ability to analyse complex situations from a range of perspectives. They also need to fully understand what it means to be human and how to live a good life. A liberal education may be the best way for them to gain these skills and navigate the road ahead. In India, college education has historically been oriented towards specific professions such as engineering or business. For Indian families, therefore, the idea of a liberal education that is inherently interdisciplinary in nature and not necessarily geared towards a specific profession is fairly new. In this session, the academics will share their thoughts on the purpose of education in today's world, the various courses and curricula that characterise a liberal education, and the ways in which a liberal education prepares young people both for the workforce and for adult life. They will also examine the challenges of a liberal education in an Indian context.
