We are excited to announce the launch event of Finding Elizabeth Hitchener(1783–1821) (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2026). Hosted by the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies and Notre Dame London, the launch is taking place on Wednesday 18 March 2026, 5:45pm-7:30pm at Notre Dame London, 1–4 Suffolk Street.
This event will tell the story of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s friendship with Hitchener, in which Ireland held profound significance as a place of personal refuge and political experiment, as well as introducing Finding Elizabeth Hitchener and the life and work it uncovers. Authors Will Bowers (QMUL), Oliver Clarkson (Oxford), and Andrew Hodgson (Birmingham) will each give short talks, followed by comments from Fiona Stafford (Oxford). The program will be chaired by Elisa Cozzi (Notre Dame).
A reception will follow the speaking program, and books will be available for purchase and signing.
We would be thrilled if you were able to join us for this exciting event! Please register at the link here.
More about the book:
Finding Elizabeth Hitchener (1783–1821) by Will Bowers, Oliver Clarkson, and Andrew Hodgson, is the first critical study of a neglected Romantic-period schoolmistress and poet. Drawing on newly uncovered archival evidence and a fresh examination of Hitchener’s writings, the book presents an account of Hitchener’s rich personal, intellectual, and literary life. It demonstrates her achievements as a celebrated teacher, an enterprising letter writer, and a distinctive poet of place. Hitchener is best known to literary history for her formative intellectual influence on Percy Bysshe Shelley.
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The Letters of Percy Bysshe Shelley editorial team.