The legacy of FR Leavis

Frank Raymond (F R) Leavis (1895-1978) is now recognised as one of the most influential literary critics and teachers of his time and among the major intellectual figures of the 20th century. Dr Leavis’s later writings are especially associated with York, where he held a visiting professorship for over ten years, c. 1965-1976, following his retirement from Cambridge.  The considerable legacy of F R Leavis will be explored in a lecture by Professor John Sutherland, celebrated author and reviewer and Emeritus Lord Northcliffe Chair at University College London.

This lecture will be followed by a one-day conference on Saturday 16 October forming part of a major reappraisal of Dr Leavis’s work.  There will be a number of short papers given by eminent academics and plenty of time for questions and discussion. 

The lecture will be preceded at 6 pm by a Vice-Chancellor’s Reception in Langwith College and re-naming of the renovated former Langwith College Library as The F. R. Leavis Room.

An exhibition of photographs and text will be on display in the Langwith Senior Common Room, to include the photographic portraits of Leavis from a series by Paul Joyce, which includes one now in the possession of the National Portrait Gallery.