Percy Vere (H.V.Smith) (b.1913): Illness, Heath & Disability
The first mention of poor health in Percy’s memoir, is when appendicitis puts his marriage on hold. ‘ As on September 19th …
Patrick McGeown (b. 1897): Life and Labour
‘Sometimes I think of the furnaces, but only to tell myself that I’m glad we’ve parted. I hold nothing against them…but I …
Norah Elliott (b.1903): An Introduction
“Give me winged words To fly to every man, Sharp words, to pierce the heart, Soft words, to stir compassion, Wise words, …
Jean Court: Illness, Health and Disability
Within Jean Court’s memoir, health and illness are two main themes. She speaks of her family’s brushes with death as well as …
Minnie Frisby (b. 1877): Purpose and Audience
Regenia Gagnier points out that many working-class writers begin their autobiographies with ‘an apology for their ordinariness’ (Gagnier, 338). However, Minnie’s Memories …
Guy Oates (1905-1987): Home and Family – Part One
The history of some of the men in the Oates family: ‘My Grandfather 1816 to 1872’ (1:66) [Guy’s] grandfather loved to entertain all …
Guy Oates (1905-1987): Life and Labour – Part Three
Poor Law Institution, York. 1927-28 It was a full time job, ordering, issuing, checking, and entering all the many items into the …
Ken Hayter (b. 1940): Illness & Health
‘I’m getting inoculated against dip- dip something or other, dip- dip- diphtheria, that’s it. Diphtheria’ (102) The above quotation is taken from …
Edward Cain (1891-1978): An Introduction
Edward Cain, in his memoir ‘Memories’, recalls the ups and downs of growing up in North East England as part of a …
Anthony Errington (1778-1848): Illness, Health and Disability
“As in developing countries today, children in large families with poor living conditions and inadequate nutrition, would have been at high risk …