Doris Lessing’s Archives: Communism, Decolonisation, and Literary Practice (TAUNTON_23LDCCHASE)

This PhD project provides a unique opportunity for a postgraduate researcher to work in and with the two major archives of Doris Lessing’s papers, and to produce a pathbreaking exploration of her life and work, supervised by Dr. Matthew Taunton, Dr. Nonia Williams (UEA) and Megan Barnard (HRC). The collaboration brings together the University of East Anglia (including the British Archive for Contemporary Writing, which holds Lessing’s personal papers), with the Harry Ransom Center (HRC) in Austin, Texas, where Lessing’s literary manuscripts are held. The researcher will develop an exciting and original programme of research on Doris Lessing within the broad remit set by the supervisors, engaging with the three key themes of the project: Communism, Decolonisation and Literary Practice. As a member of the Modern and Contemporary Research Group in the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at UEA, the student will work towards a PhD in English Literature in a leading centre for research in the field. A wealth of training opportunities are available via CHASE and the Humanities Graduate School at UEA. While based predominantly at UEA, the student may spend up to six months as a fellow at the HRC, with travel and accommodation costs in Texas covered by the grant. The scholarly work which forms the core of this project will be complemented by a varied insight into the workings of literary archives, and the student will collaborate with archivists and expert supervisors across both institutions to help organise a symposium and curate a display. This PhD will make an important contribution to modern literary studies and offers the student an excellent preparation for a career in academia or the wider cultural sector.