Many may not have heard of the editor, poet, and social commentator Thomas Hood, but will know some of his poetry for its punning irony, general wordplay, and impact.

Dogged by illness and depression, he nonetheless succeeded in engaging his readers with a combination of humour, satire, and savage social critique. From the humour of Faithless Nelly Gray to the nostalgia of I remember; the satirical biography of Miss Kilmansegg and her precious leg; and the sharp critique of poverty in The Song of the shirt, Hood was a commentator of his times as well as an overlooked member of poetical and literary circles in the early years of the 19th century. This talk seeks to broaden knowledge of the man and his works, providing both biography and readings from some his best-known as well as lesser-known works.

Steve Wharton is Associate Professor of French and Communication at The University of Bath, and a former Chair of the Board of BRLSI. Whilst his principal scholarly output has been in the field of French area studies, a chance encounter with a Hood poem about bodysnatching when aged nine has led to a lifelong interest in the man, his life and works.