“hold on to the now, the here, through which all future plunges to the past”

— James Joyce, Ulysses

A woman with long red hair smiling while reading a book, with her hands clasped together on the table, against a green background.

The Humanist Readers

A Substack Community

Rooted in the spirit of intellectual inquiry and the appreciation of the studia humanitatis, this is a space for deep engagement with books. We move beyond plot summaries to analyse craft, explore complex human themes, and discuss texts with the critical rigor you'd expect from a Trinity PhD candidate, but always in a welcoming, accessible environment. If you love dissecting a novel and celebrating the artistry of the written word, this is your academic huddle.

The Faerie Queene Read-along

A Substack Community

For many of us, the name Edmund Spenser conjures images of epic quests, virtuous knights, and perhaps a touch of literary intimidation. The Faerie Queene stands as a monumental work in English literature—a vast, shimmering tapestry of chivalric romance, intricate allegory, and stunning poetry. It’s a poem that demands time and attention, but rewards it with unparalleled beauty, wisdom, and a deeply immersive world.

That is precisely why we’re going to embark on this journey together. This isn’t just about reading a poem (for a poem it is); it’s about exploring a foundational text, understanding its profound influence, and perhaps most importantly, discovering the sheer joy of Spenser’s storytelling and poetic genius in good company.